Russia Arrests Alleged Informant in Satellite Espionage Case Involving U.S.

A Russian man accused of leaking classified satellite technology to the United States has been arrested and charged with high treason, a court in the western Russian exclave of Kaliningrad announced on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the Kaliningrad Regional Court revealed that the suspect, identified only as “O,” is a former employee of a company specializing in the production of electronic engines used in space satellite systems.

Authorities allege that the individual gathered and stored sensitive technical data about the company’s satellite engine technology on behalf of U.S. intelligence agencies.

According to the court, the suspect’s activities spanned over two years, from July 2021 to December 2023, during which he allegedly compiled and transferred critical information related to Russia’s space and defense capabilities.

The man has been placed in pre-trial detention and will remain in custody until at least September 30. If found guilty of high treason under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code, he could face a life sentence.

Russia has intensified its crackdown on espionage and treason-related offenses in recent years, especially in the context of growing tensions with Western countries.

The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of individuals with access to strategic or defense-related industries, particularly those with ties to foreign governments.

No official statement has yet been released by the U.S. government in response to the allegations.