University Professor Jailed in Estonia for Spying for Russian Military Intelligence
Estonia’s most prestigious university professor, Viacheslav Morozov, was recently sentenced to six years and three months in prison for spying for Russian military intelligence. Morozov, a Russian citizen, had been operating in Estonia for 14 years before his arrest in January. He was found guilty of undermining the security of the Baltic state by collecting information about Estonia’s defense and security policy, as well as social integration and political issues in the country.
Estonian officials have been vigilant about the threat from Russia, with political relations between the two countries being icy since Estonia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Morozov, who was recruited by the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence arm, used his position as a professor to access conferences and key people in order to gather information on Estonia’s internal, foreign, defense, and security situation.
Estonian authorities have warned against travel to Russia, stating that Russian spy services are aggressively trying to recruit Estonians. The spying activities by Russian intelligence in Estonia are seen as part of a broader campaign that has also included sabotage and attacks across Europe. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas described Russia’s actions as a “shadow war” against the West.
This year alone, 13 people have been arrested in Estonia over attacks allegedly organized by Russian military intelligence operating under diplomatic cover, further heightening tensions in the region. The case involving Morozov highlights the ongoing security threats faced by Estonia and the region as a whole.
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