Thread by @AFP

#BREAKING Italian naval officer arrested on Russia spying charges: police

#UPDATE The Italian navy captain was arrested in Rome on spying charges after allegedly passing "confidential documents" to a Russian military official in exchange for money, police say

#UPDATE The Italian, a middle-ranking officer serving as a frigate captain, was caught red-handed after a "clandestine meeting" with the Russian late Tuesday in Rome, according to a police statement

#UPDATE Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio has summoned the Russian ambassador following the arrest of an Italian navy captain on allegations of spying for Moscow

#BREAKING Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio expels two Russian officials over spying row as the Kremlin says it hopes ties with Italy can be 'preserved' despite the row

#UPDATE Italy has expelled two Russian officials after an Italian navy captain was allegedly caught red-handed selling secret documents to a Russian military officer
u.afp.com/UggC

#BREAKING Britain says it "stands in solidarity" with Italy over its expulsion of two Russian officials accused over a spy scandal, calling Moscow's actions "malign and destabilising"

#UPDATE Italy expelled two Russian officials Wednesday after an Italian navy captain was caught by police selling secret documents to the Russians, with Britain expressing "solidarity" with Italy and condemning "Russia's malign and destabilising activity" u.afp.com/UgAq