Russian ex-president Dmitry Medvedev has promised mercenary organisation Wagner Group a reward of USD 15 million for the assassination of Italy’s Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, claims Italian Il Foglio newspaper.
The newspaper references to the warning issued by the Italian intelligence to the government about the possible planning of this assassination. Italy’s intelligence is concerned about Medvedev’s statements in which he called Crosetto a «rare fool», responding the minister’s statements that World War Three would come if Russian tanks enter Kyiv.
Medvedev currently serves as Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This means he has influence over decision-making in the Kremlin.
Il Foglio reports that the Italian intelligence
intercepted an «order» for a hit on Crosetto sent by Medvedev to the Wagner Group
for USD 15 million. Medvedev allegedly ordered this assassination before Crosetto made the statement in which he accused Wagner Group of contributing to the migration crisis by organising the flow of migrants from Africa to Europe.
Il Foglio reports that, according to information from the Italian intelligence service, Wagner Group has at least two cells in Europe: one in the Balkans, between Serbia and Albania, and the other – in Estonia. Both have several dozen troops, which can be composed into a patrol with an objective to perform certain tasks in Italy.
The Italian newspaper also reports that intelligence services of other countries – such as Poland and France – have also voiced similar concerns. Nevertheless, the addition of a member of the government of a G7 member states among Wagner Group’s objectives clearly indicates a surge of risk levels.
Also read: Growing concern in Serbia about the Wagner Group