VIENNA, July 13 (RIA Novosti) - A former employee of an Austrian industrial group was detained in Innsbruck Thursday on suspicion of spying for Russia, Austrian television said.
Reports say that the 48-year old detained individual transferred confidential information to a Russian company about technological processes, specifications and clients of the Plansee Group, which specializes in producing refractory metal products and special materials.
The Austrian company contacted the country's Interior Ministry after it received information about possible industrial espionage, reporters said, adding that Plansee was not yet in a position to evaluate the material damages caused by the alleged espionage.
Investigators will question the detained individual and will make a decision on a formal arrest within 48 hours.
The Austrian Embassy in Moscow has refused to comment.
Plansee was also unavailable for comment.
Russia's trade mission in Vienna said it had no information on the matter. "We have no information. I can only say I am surprised over this incident," trade representative Yury Stetsenko said.
