Gavino Raoul Piras, 59, from Sassari, formerly of the Italian National Security Institute (AISI), is one of the two 007s arrested as part of the investigation into espionage for Russia. Piras, who had been retired for over ten years, has an extensive resume.
A graduate in Political Science and International Relations, he is the author of "The Theory of Information Capital." Piras's training also includes the NATO school in Oberammergau, Germany, and specific NATO international exercises abroad known as "Unified Blade." During his career in Italy and abroad, he studied in depth the modus operandi of espionage and counterespionage.
The other person arrested—both had served in the Carabinieri—is Vincenzo di Pasquale, 59, originally from Matera, also a retired member of the Italian Army (AISI). The other suspects are Davide Piantanida, 46, from Foggia; Gianluca Nardella, 47, from Foggia; Giuseppe Tempesta, 55, from Bari; Sergio Romeo, 57, from Messina; and Antonio Guerra, 69, from Bari.
According to the investigation, all of them, in various capacities, carried out espionage activities in exchange for money for a Russian intelligence agent, who enjoys diplomatic immunity in Italy.
The investigative activity of the Carabinieri Special Operations Group (ROS) began in May 2025 and gave rise to two criminal proceedings, initiated respectively by the ordinary and military prosecutor's offices in Rome.
During the investigation, observation, control, shadowing and searches, including computer searches, were carried out.
Piras, the main suspect, allegedly had numerous conversations with the Russian agent. During the conversations, the Russian made requests while the other, for a fee, provided the requested information, which he had acquired through his sources, including four active-duty soldiers assigned to highly confidential roles. During the searches, approximately €20,000 in cash was found and seized.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto: " There can be no tolerance, especially when individuals in positions of responsibility are involved, for those who compromise or put the security of the Republic at risk. The protection of national security, classified information, and institutions is a primary interest of the State and cannot be compromised in any way. The Ministry of Defense will take every further initiative to safeguard the integrity of its structures."
(Unioneonline)