Two foreigners arrested in Slovenia for spying for Russia

The Slovenian intelligence agency discovered and arrested in Ljubljana two foreign citizens suspected of spying for Russia. As reported, they worked as entrepreneurs in Ljubljana in an office building outside Bežigrad (city municipality).

According to unofficial information, it is stated that based on the notification of the Slovenian Intelligence Agency (Sova), pre-criminal proceedings were initiated and at the beginning of December last year, a request was submitted to the investigative department of the District Court in Ljubljana for an investigation against the two for the criminal offense of espionage, it was confirmed to the Slovenian newspaper "Delo " in the District Prosecutor's Office in Ljubljana. The National Bureau of Investigation (NPU) also participated in the prosecution and arrest of the suspects.

It is added that the two Russian agents had a rented office in the Lesnina office building in Parmova street in Ljubljana. The company, which served as a front for their work in Slovenia, is said to be formally engaged in real estate and antiques trading. Both of those arrested had citizenship and passports of third countries and did not present themselves as Russian citizens. According to "Del", one of them had Argentine citizenship, reports N1.

"We are talking about two foreign citizens, we are not announcing their identity. While the investigation is ongoing, it is not appropriate to disclose its details. However, the matter is serious and if the arrested are convicted of espionage, it means that in that action, which reverberated around the world, security and intelligence the agency responded in a timely manner", stated the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon.

Asked if she invited the Russian ambassador for a conversation, she stated that at the moment they have no activities related to the arrest to talk to the ambassador or send a note of protest.

"Once again, the case is serious, the investigation is ongoing, the prosecuting authority is conducting the investigation appropriately, and we have been properly informed about it," said Fajon.