Estonian Court Sentences Dual National to Three Years for Spying for Russia

On Tuesday, an Estonian court convicted a dual Russian-Estonian citizen of transmitting information to Russian intelligence agencies, sentencing her to three years in prison.

Prosecutors alleged that 63-year-old Erna Moisejeva had been collaborating with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), supplying the agency with details regarding Estonian military technologies.

Additionally, she faced accusations of providing information about Estonian law enforcement personnel as well as individuals residing in Russia who are employed in Estonia.

Prosecutors stated that Moisejeva attempted to walk across the border from Estonia to Russia on at least two occasions, carrying high-end wines, which violated a prohibition on exporting luxury items to Russia. Customs officials intercepted her both times.

«Russian intelligence services are actively assessing sentiments within Estonian society and attitudes among Estonians to identify potential new recruits or conduct influence operations,» said state prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas in a statement.

«This means that even seemingly trivial information can be pivotal, which is why we respond firmly to any actions that undermine Estonian interests and any cooperation with Russian security agencies,» she emphasized.

Taavi Narits, the deputy director of the Estonian Internal Security Service (ISS), warned that Estonian companies hiring dual nationals residing in Russia «need to understand the associated risks.»

«The advantage of a cheaper labor force does not compensate for the threat to national security,» he remarked.