Bratislava, Mar. 15, (dpa/GNA) – Slovakia is expelling three Russian embassy workers suspected of espionage, the foreign ministry in Bratislava said late Monday.
The Russians were given 72 hours to leave as they had broken diplomatic rules, the ministry said, without disclosing their names or what posts they held at the country’s mission.
Meanwhile, at least three Slovakian citizens suspected of having been paid to spy for Russia were also detained.
“This is just the beginning,” Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad told news site Pravda. SK.
Those arrested included an officer from the defence ministry and an employee of the domestic intelligence service SIS, as well as a third person who worked in the pro-Russian media, the Dennik N newspaper reported.
Police confirmed they are investigating suspected espionage, but declined to provide any specific information about those arrested. More details are to be released on Tuesday.
The SIS secret service denied that one of the people detained was currently employed by domestic intelligence, adding that it would not divulge any additional details at this time.
Russia said it would take retaliatory steps in reaction to the expulsion of its embassy staff.
GNA