University professor jailed in Estonia for spying for Russian military intelligence
A Russian university professor, Viacheslav Morozov, has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison in Estonia after being found guilty of spying for Russian military intelligence. Morozov, who taught at Estonia’s most prestigious university, collected information about the country’s defense and security policy, as well as social integration and political issues, which he provided to Moscow.
Political relations between Russia and Estonia have been tense since Estonia regained its independence in 1991, with Estonia being a supporter of Ukraine and providing aid to the country. Morozov was recruited by the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence arm, in the early 1990s and began actively working for them in 2010 when he moved to Estonia.
Estonian officials have expressed concerns about Russian spy services aggressively trying to recruit Estonians and influencing foreign students to study in Russia with the hope of gaining influence in the future. The espionage activities by Russia in Estonia are seen as part of a broader campaign that includes sabotage and attacks across Europe.
Thirteen people have been arrested in Estonia this year over attacks allegedly organized by Russian military intelligence using diplomatic cover. Flights between Finland and the city of Tartu were also disrupted by Russian jamming of GPS signals. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has described Russia’s actions as a “shadow war” against the West.
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