
EU anti-fraud office dismantles Chinese counterfeit condom trafficking ring
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) announced Tuesday it had dismantled an international counterfeit condom trafficking operation, seizing over 200,000 fake condoms sold across Europe under a well-known brand. The items originated from a common source in China, with Chinese authorities collaborating with EU investigators to identify the exporter.
“Counterfeit condoms are dangerous. They are untested, uncontrolled and unsafe,” OLAF Director-General Petr Klement said in a statement. The operation involved a network distributing the products in Spain, Romania, and Serbia, where national customs authorities conducted seizures. Condoms are classified as medical devices in the EU and must meet strict quality-control standards.
The watchdog did not specify whether the exporter is facing legal action but emphasized that it had “disrupted a significant inflow of condoms” into the bloc. The announcement comes amid concerns over declining condom use among European teenagers, as highlighted in a 2024 WHO Europe report that noted an “alarming decline” since 2014.
Italian counterintelligence scandal: Two ex-AISI agents arrested for alleged Russian espionage
Italian authorities arrested two former intelligence service employees on Tuesday, accusing them of passing classified information to Russian intelligence in exchange for money. Gavino Raul Pirás, a retired AISI agent with expertise in espionage and counterintelligence, and Vincenzo Di Pasquale were detained following a year-long investigation that began in 2025 after authorities detected signs of a Russian recruitment attempt.
According to prosecutors, Pirás, who studied political science and international relations and trained at NATO’s Oberammergau school, allegedly received payments for sharing sensitive details about Italy’s defense industry. The investigation revealed that he had access to classified information through a network of sources, including four active-duty military personnel from Italy’s cyber units.
Five additional suspects—Davide Piantanidu, Gianluca Nardella, Giuseppe Tempesta, Sergio Romeo, and Antonio Gerra—are under investigation for alleged involvement in state security breaches, political and military espionage, and the disclosure of state secrets. The arrests coincide with heightened European efforts to counter suspected Russian intelligence activities, including the recent detention of two men at the German-Serbian border on suspicion of preparing a sabotage operation on behalf of Russian services.
Austria probes alleged illegal fees at Europe’s northernmost point
Norwegian authorities have ordered Scandic hotels to immediately halt the practice of charging tourists for access to the North Cape plateau, Europe’s northernmost point, after determining the fees are illegal. The Norwegian state has demanded the company cease the controversial practice, which has generated millions in revenue.
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5 further sources not geolocated