A Russian-made drone has made repeated incursions over the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Italian authorities have launched an investigation into potential political or military espionage aggravated by terrorist intent
Investigation launched. On Monday, the Milan Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation into alleged political or military espionage aggravated by terrorist intent.
- This follows reports that a Russian-made drone repeatedly flew over the city of Ispra, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission is headquartered.
- Authorities are keen to dispel any suspicion that sensitive national and European security objectives are targeted for espionage.
No-Fly zone breach. The area in question is classified as a “no-fly zone” by ENAC, Italy’s authority for civil aviation.
- Critical facilities, including a Leonardo aerospace plant and the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps headquarters in Solbiate Olona (Varese), are nearby.
- Il Corriere della Sera reports that while the drone’s origin is suspected to be Russian, it might have been piloted from a location near a research centre.
Interagency review. The parliamentary committee overseeing the intelligence agencies (Copasir) is reportedly seeking additional evidence before launching further inquiries.
- There are indications that preliminary discussions may have already taken place at the recent Interministerial Committee for National Security, which was attended by Matteo Piantedosi, whose ministry of the Interior oversees the protection of critical national infrastructure.
- Various political parties have announced parliamentary questions.
Ongoing investigations. The investigation is led by Chief Prosecutor Marcello Viola, assisted by Deputy Prosecutor Eugenio Fusco and Prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis.
- In recent weeks, Gobbis requested charges against two businessmen, aged 34 and 60, owners of a real estate firm in Brianza.
- They are accused of offering their services for alleged espionage on behalf of Russian intelligence—in exchange, reportedly, for cryptocurrencies.
- While no direct link has been established between this case and the drone flights over Ispra, authorities are conducting further checks.
- Both investigations may be connected by a broader interest in mapping strategic zones in northern Italy.
(Photo: European Commission)
