A Russian court sentenced Dmitry Arkadyevich Shatresov, a 40-year-old logistics worker, to 17 years in prison for passing classified information to a U.S. intelligence agency. Shatresov, residing just outside Moscow, faced prosecution as part of Russia's intensified crackdown on suspected foreign agents and spies. This crackdown has seen a marked increase in such cases since the onset of the war in Ukraine.
The Moscow City Court delivered its verdict on Wednesday, finding Shatresov guilty of high treason. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) spearheaded the investigation, asserting that Shatresov obtained state secrets through illegal means with the intent to transfer them to U.S. intelligence.
"The Moscow City Court found Dmitry Arkadyevich Shatresov… guilty of committing high treason in favor of the United States," – TASS (citing Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB))
Treason cases in Russia are predominantly conducted behind closed doors and rarely conclude with an acquittal. The prosecution of Shatresov aligns with the broader trend of increased charges of treason, espionage, or cooperation with foreign states. Since the conflict began, at least 792 individuals in Russia have faced such charges.
"It was established that Shatresov D.A., having obtained by illegal methods information which constituted state secrets, (and) guided by criminal intent, intended to transfer it to a representative of American intelligence." – TASS (citing Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB))
The TASS state news agency reported on the case, and the press service for Moscow's courts released images and video footage of Shatresov during the court proceedings. In the images, Shatresov appeared wearing glasses and a blue hooded sweatshirt. Despite the media attention, Shatresov's lawyer refrained from commenting on the case.
The U.S. embassy in Moscow did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the situation. This silence leaves unanswered questions about the broader implications of the case on U.S.-Russia relations amidst ongoing tensions.
