Court finds woman guilty of espionage and attempted violation of sanctions

The court sentenced the woman to three years' imprisonment.

According to the charges brought by the State Prosecutor's Office, Erna Moiseeva established contacts in the russian federation with an employee of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the russian federation, who instructed her to collect information about the Republic of Estonia in the interests of the FSB. E. Moiseeva collected and transmitted information about the Republic of Estonia and persons working there. Thus, E. Moiseeva carried out and facilitated intelligence activities against the Republic of Estonia.

In addition, E. Moiseeva was accused of attempting to violate the prohibition established in the legislative act on the introduction of international sanctions. In particular, international sanctions have been imposed on the russian federation, as a result of which it is prohibited to export luxury goods from the Republic of Estonia to the russian federation. E. Moiseeva twice attempted to leave Estonia on foot for the russian federation, carrying expensive wines as luxury goods (worth more than €300). E. Moiseeva's actions were stopped by customs officials. Thus, E. Moiseeva attempted to violate the prohibition established in the legislative act imposing international sanctions, but the crime remained unfinished due to circumstances beyond her control.

As a cumulative punishment, E. Moiseeva was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with the lightest punishment being replaced by the most severe. In addition, she must pay court costs of €3,140.14.

The criminal case was heard under a plea bargain. E. Moiseeva, who has both Estonian and russian citizenship, has no current administrative or criminal penalties in Estonia. The court decision has not yet entered into force.

Source: Estonian Judicial Authority