The investigative journalist Hristo Grozev, head of the investigative group Belingcat, is forced to leave Austria, where he has lived for 20 years. This was reported by the independent Russian media “Meduzu”.
Grozev decided to move because he was warned that there are in the country Russian agents, i.e. there is a direct threat to his life. He received the information from intelligence sources, after which he decided to stay in the US, where he is now.
At the end of October 2022, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs included the journalist in the list of wanted persons. He is also charged with alleged involvement in an attempted hijacking of Russian aircraft by Ukrainian spies.
Meanwhile, it became clear that the authorities in Vienna are chasing four Russian diplomats for conduct that is “inconsistent with their status.” This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Austria.
According to the Reuters agency, this wording is often used in allegations of espionage by members of diplomatic missions. Two of the four diplomats declared persona non grata work in the Russian embassy in Austria, and two others – in the Russian mission to the United Nations in Vienna.
They have to to leave the country until February 8. World agencies recall that the expulsion of diplomats is an unusual practice for Austria, which tries to maintain neutrality and had close relations with Moscow before the war.
The Russian Foreign Ministry still has not responded of Austria’s statement.
