Austria’s domestic intelligence agency has revealed a covert Russian disinformation campaign centered on a Bulgarian woman accused of espionage, further intensifying concerns over Moscow’s influence operations in Europe.
As reported by Digi24, the woman—whose identity has not been made public—confessed to acting on behalf of Russian interests, particularly during 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Her activities, according to Austrian authorities, were aimed at shifting public opinion in German-speaking countries to be more favorable to the Kremlin.
Disinformation in the Heart of Europe
The Austrian State Protection and Intelligence Directorate (DSN) stated that the woman was part of a group active since early 2022. Investigators found evidence of a coordinated effort to spread false narratives and anti-Ukrainian propaganda both online and offline. Offline tactics included graffiti and distributing pro-Russian stickers in public spaces across Austria.
Interior Ministry official Joerg Leichtfried warned that such operations erode trust in democratic institutions and threaten social cohesion. “The spread of false narratives, fake news, and manipulative content undermines trust in our institutions and endangers social cohesion,” he said.
Despite a request from prosecutors to place the suspect in custody, a regional court ordered her release. The DSN and Vienna's prosecutor’s office declined to clarify her current whereabouts.
Ties to Fugitive Wirecard Executive
The investigation also uncovered links between the suspect and associates of Jan Marsalek, the former Wirecard executive turned Russian intelligence asset. Marsalek, wanted on an Interpol red notice, disappeared after Wirecard’s dramatic collapse in 2020 and is believed to be operating from Russia.
Austrian authorities have not confirmed whether additional arrests are expected, but the case highlights the increasing sophistication and boldness of Russian intelligence efforts in Western Europe—particularly in information warfare.
