Russian Drone Flies Over EU Research Center in Ispra, Italy Opens Espionage Probe

The Italian prosecution has initiated a preliminary investigation after a Russian drone flew over the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra multiple times. This was reported by Corriere della Sera and the ANSA news agency on March 31.

The JRC, a key scientific research institution of the European Commission, has been operational for over 65 years, specializing in fields such as nuclear research, security, space, sustainable development, and transportation.

Corriere della Sera reports that drones have appeared over the site at least five times throughout March.

Several key strategic defense sites are situated within a few dozen kilometers of the observation area. These include facilities of the defense company Leonardo, which specializes in aviation and aerospace technologies, including a helicopter training academy in Sesto Calende, and a helicopter unit in Vergiate, where military and civilian aircraft are produced.

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Italian authorities are concerned that the drone was conducting surveillance of the research center. It is suspected that the drone was equipped with cameras and sensors capable of detailed nighttime observation, 3D mapping, and monitoring critical infrastructure.

According to ANSA, the Milan prosecution is overseeing the preliminary investigation, with an official inquiry into espionage to begin on March 31. The case will be handled by the anti-terrorism unit.

In recent years, Italy has recorded several attempts of illicit data gathering linked to Russian intelligence. In 2023, an investigation by special Carabinieri units  uncovered the activities of two Italian citizens suspected of cooperating with foreign intelligence services. They allegedly received cryptocurrency payments for filming strategically important sites in Milan and Rome using car-mounted cameras.

The European Research Center in Ispra is located in a no-fly zone, where special permits from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority are required for flights.

Previously, it was reported that Russia has expelled two British embassy staff members, accusing them of engaging in espionage, according to The Guardian on March 10.