Italian Ex-Ambassador Arrested Over Alleged Cash-for-Visas Scheme for Russians

Former Italian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini di Sant’Agnese has been arrested in Rome over allegations that he organized a scheme to issue long-term Schengen visas to Russian citizens in exchange for money.

According to La Repubblica on May 9, Italian prosecutors accuse Papadia of abusing his position while serving at Italy’s embassy in Tashkent between late 2024 and 2025. Investigators allege the scheme enabled Russian applicants to obtain Schengen visas despite failing to meet the legal entry requirements.

The former diplomat allegedly charged between €4,000 and €16,000 per applicant for visas valid from one to three years. At least 95 Russian citizens received visas through the scheme.

Read more

Category

World

When Europe’s Tourist Visas Become Russia’s Window for Hybrid War

Oct 14, 2025 13:35

Italian investigators say the operation involved three Russian travel agencies—Happy Travel, Visa4you, and Park Lane—which reportedly handled applications for Russian clients seeking access to Italy and other Schengen countries. According to La Repubblica, some applications were allegedly submitted through Telegram “outside official lists.”

The investigation also centers on Tatiana Tarakanova, a dual Russian-Italian citizen who previously worked with Papadia at the Italian consulate in Moscow and was later transferred to the visa section in Tashkent. Prosecutors in Rome are investigating both suspects on allegations related to corruption and facilitating illegal immigration.

According to La Repubblica, Papadia told investigators: “I needed the money.” The outlet reported that during questioning he “stammered” and “could not speak.”

Italian authorities detained the former ambassador on May 7. He had already been suspended from his diplomatic post in December 2025.

Read more

Category

World

How Europe Became a Safe Haven for Russian Elites Using Dual Passports to Evade Sanctions

Jun 23, 2025 18:34

The investigation expanded after an inspection by Italy’s Foreign Ministry in July 2025 reportedly found irregularities in visa records, including missing evidence that applicants had personally appeared at the consulate, as required under standard procedures.

Prosecutors and Italy’s Financial Guard are continuing to examine approximately 400 visa-related cases and reviewing Papadia’s assets, estimated at around €3 million. According to La Repubblica, the former diplomat claims the money came from an inheritance rather than illegal activity.

Earlier, Malta granted passports through its “golden visa” program to several Russian businessmen and officials later placed under EU, US, or Ukrainian sanctions over Russia’s war against Ukraine. Investigators identified at least 16 individuals who obtained Maltese citizenship despite sanctions or criminal convictions.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense