Prosecutors in Vienna have charged Egisto Ott, a former Austrian intelligence officer, with spying for Russia. The case has become one of the biggest scandals to hit the country’s security services in recent years.
Ott once worked for Austria’s main domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (BVT). The BVT was Austria’s domestic intelligence agency from 2002 until 2021, tasked with protecting the country from terrorism, espionage, and threats to the democratic order. It was dissolved after facing several controversies and was replaced by a new structure. This agency was responsible for protecting the country from internal threats until its closure. He is now accused of secretly working with Russian agents, breaking the trust placed in him as a state official.
According to prosecutors, Ott misused his position and shared highly sensitive information. He is also alleged to have worked with a police officer to pass secrets to a foreign intelligence service. Investigators believe that this harmed Austria’s security and may have put classified information at risk.
The charges against Ott include espionage, bribery, and misuse of office. One of the most serious claims is that he handed over an encrypted government laptop used to access restricted state systems. Such a device could have given foreign operatives access to critical files.
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Arrests, Releases, and More Questions
The case began years ago when Ott was first arrested in March 2021. At that time, a court in Vienna decided he should be released. Judges said he no longer had access to secret information and was not considered a continuing threat.
But the story did not end there. Authorities arrested Ott again in March 2024. This time, they suspected that he had stayed in touch with Russian intelligence officers even after his first arrest. They also accused him of trying to sell classified material once he was free.
Surprisingly, just three months later, in June 2024, he was once again released from pre-trial detention. That decision raised serious questions, as critics wondered how someone facing such severe allegations could be allowed to walk free. Many observers inside and outside Austria saw this as a strange and troubling move.
Now prosecutors say they have gathered enough evidence to move forward with formal charges. They believe Ott’s activities went far beyond what was previously suspected. He is accused of breaking Austria’s Official Secrets Act; this law forbids the sharing, leaking, or misuse of classified state information. It is designed to protect sensitive government data, especially relating to national security, and violating it is treated as a serious crime and abusing his trusted position for personal gain.
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Denials and Legal Battle Ahead
Egisto Ott has strongly denied all wrongdoing. Through his legal team, he has rejected claims that he spied for Russia or passed on classified data. His lawyers say he is ready to confront every accusation in court and clear his name.
Despite his denial, prosecutors argue that the evidence shows otherwise. They insist that Ott’s dealings with Russian agents and his misuse of sensitive equipment prove he betrayed his country. The allegations suggest a deep breach of loyalty from someone who was once trusted to protect Austria’s national security.
The case has drawn attention not only within Austria but across Europe. Spying cases are rare in Austria, but this one has had broad political effects. It has cast a shadow over the way the country’s intelligence services are run and how they handle security breaches.
For now, the spotlight remains on the courtroom, where Egisto Ott will face charges that could mark one of the most high-profile espionage trials in Austria’s recent history.
