Vienna releases two Ukrainians held on espionage suspicions

Two Ukrainians suspected of spying in Vienna have been released on bail of 3,000 euros each, ORF reported. They were arrested on October 5 and are suspected of being members of Ukraine’s military intelligence service.

The Vienna public prosecutor’s office is investigating them on suspicion of operating a secret intelligence service to Austria’s detriment. The offence carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison if they are convicted.

The men were initially held in pre-trial detention on suspicion of further offending, tampering with evidence and flight risk. Their lawyer appealed. At a detention hearing brought forward to November 5, the court extended their detention but retained only flight risk as a basis.

Because the suspected offence carries a maximum sentence of five years and detention rested solely on flight risk, bail had to be considered. The men also had to promise not to leave the country, obstruct the investigation or fail to provide an address where they can be reached in Vienna or elsewhere in Austria. They were ordered to stay away from the building they are suspected of observing.

The prosecution appealed the release, but the appeal did not suspend it. The men left Josefstadt prison on Monday. They are presumed innocent.