Austrian police officers stationed at the Russian Embassy during the presidential election were reportedly given small presents as they left after the voting had concluded. The officers were seen leaving with gift bags bearing the Russian emblem, containing low-value items such as calendars and boxes of chocolates. The Vienna police department confirmed the receipt of gifts and stated that while it did not constitute misconduct under the service law for Austrian civil servants, it did leave an unwanted impression. As a result, the officers were instructed to refuse such gestures in the future in a friendly but firm manner.
Vienna police were stationed to provide security around the Russian Embassy on the day of Russia’s presidential election, where Russians living abroad stood in line to vote at embassies and consulates in several European cities. The election ultimately resulted in Vladimir Putin winning another six-year term. Prior to the election, the Austrian government had ordered two diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Vienna to leave the country, with officials citing spying activities as the reason for the expulsions. Police officers were in close contact with embassy employees during their security duties and also occasionally entered the embassy building.
After the last voters had left the Russian Embassy on the evening of the election, at least six Austrian police officers were reported to have left the building, with at least three of them carrying gift bags with a Russian emblem. One officer mentioned that police officers had gone in and out of the building to use the toilets. Despite the receipt of small presents not being considered misconduct, the Vienna police department noted that it did not reflect the professional approach expected of its officers. The officers were advised to reject any such gifts in the future, regardless of their value.
The Vienna police department acknowledged that accepting gifts from the Russians did not violate any laws governing Austrian civil servants, but emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional image. Despite the low value of the items received, the department believed that it left an undesirable impression that did not align with the professionalism of the officers on duty. Consequently, officers were directed to politely decline any future offers of gifts, no matter how small, in order to uphold the standards expected of them while carrying out their duties at diplomatic events.
Russian residents voting at embassies and consulates in Europe were observed on March 17, the final day of the presidential election in Russia that saw Vladimir Putin secure another term in office. The Austrian police officers stationed at the Russian Embassy provided security and maintained contact with embassy personnel throughout the election day. The officers’ interaction with the embassy resulted in them receiving gift bags upon their departure, prompting the Vienna police department to issue a directive instructing officers to decline any gifts offered by diplomatic personnel to maintain professionalism and avoid any misperceptions.
