Maxim Kuzminov, a pilot from Russia who hijacked a Russian military Mi-8 helicopter for Ukraine, was reportedly killed by individuals who received cash from Russian officials working in Vienna, Austria.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported this on Friday, citing sources in Western intelligence services.

Vienna Reportedly Emerges as New Spy Hub for Russia

According to WSJ, Vienna has emerged as a new operational hub for Russian intelligence in Europe following the expulsion of hundreds of suspected Russian spies disguised as diplomats from various European capitals in response to the Ukraine conflict.

The anonymous intelligence sources said the number of Russian civil servants in Austria has increased over the past two years, from 300 to 400 to over 500. Most of them reportedly became diplomats and administrators, with nearly half working as spies or involved in intelligence activities.

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Espionage Activities in Austria

Austria is reportedly becoming a hub for Russian spies because of its legislation, which allows espionage as long as it is not directed against the country itself. Its legal framework contributes to its attractiveness as a base for Russian operations.

Spies from Russia based in Vienna are believed to include the recruitment of agents and financial support for operations such as tracking Western arms shipments to Ukraine and the assassination of Maxim Kuzminov. 

The situation has prompted other EU countries to discuss tightening restrictions on Russian diplomats' activities and consider the Czech proposal to prohibit Russian diplomats from leaving the country where they are working.

Kuzminov was found shot dead in February in Spain, where he reportedly lived under a different name. According to The New York Times, two men waited for Kuzminov in the garage of his house for several hours and then shot him six times before moving his body.

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