Austria uncovers massive russian disinformation and discrediting operation against Ukraine

Austrian authorities have uncovered a massive russian-led disinformation campaign against Ukraine following the arrest in December of a Bulgarian woman accused of spying for russia, ABC News reported.

According to the Austrian Interior Ministry, the country’s domestic intelligence service uncovered evidence of the operation while analyzing devices found during a search of the suspect’s home. The investigation revealed that a unit working for russian intelligence was set up a few weeks after russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, planning a massive disinformation campaign in German-speaking countries, especially Austria.

"The group operated both online and through stickers and graffiti with content containing far-right symbols and nationalist slogans, creating the impression that pro-Ukrainian activists were behind it," the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The suspect from Bulgaria, whose name has not been disclosed, is believed to have played a significant role in the operation and acted as an intelligence contact. According to the ministry, the woman confessed to collaborating with russian intelligence services.

In early March this year, three Bulgarian citizens were found guilty in Britain of spying for russia.