Record Convictions for State Treason and Espionage in Russia: Recent Trends and Implications
In the Russian Federation, during the first half of 2025, an unprecedented number of convictions related to state treason, espionage, and cooperation with foreign powers have been registered.
According to data from the analytical center led by Kirill Parubets, prepared specifically for the project ‘First Department,’ courts issued 224 verdicts concerning 232 individuals accused of such crimes over a six-month period.
This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, where the number of convictions was considerably lower.
The statistics show that nearly two similar cases were decided daily in Russia throughout this period, indicating a mounting crackdown on those suspected of betraying national interests.
Of those convicted, 167 individuals—more than 70%—received actual prison sentences, illustrating the government’s relentless effort to suppress these crimes.
Since the onset of Russia’s large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, the number of prosecuted individuals under these articles has reached 774.
Notably, in 2025, three cases involved forced medical treatment of accused treason suspects, a rare practice previously.
This highlights the increasing severity of repression within the country.
Post-invasion, the number of cases has surged sharply: in 2023, 47 courts handled such cases; in 2024, the number doubled to 104; and in the first half of 2025, 57 courts have already addressed these charges.
More regions are being involved, including Kamchatka Krai, Kostroma, Kurgan, Penza, Sverdlovsk regions, as well as Udmurtia and Yakutia, marking their first appearances in such proceedings.
Court proceedings are becoming increasingly secretive; since 2023, about 60% of defendants’ names are concealed under the phrase ‘Information Hidden.’ Data from occupied territories are not included in official statistics.
The number of convictions for espionage and treason is rising alongside counter-terrorism cases, with a sharp increase observed in 2023–2024 after gradual growth in 2020–2022.
Experts predict that by the end of 2025, more than 500 individuals could be convicted under treason and espionage articles, while about 1,500 could face charges related to terrorism.
In late 2024, President Vladimir Putin urged security agencies to intensify efforts to identify ‘spies and traitors,’ emphasizing the need to improve the efficiency of special services in detecting foreign intelligence activities and preventing sabotage or terrorist acts.
Additionally, Putin highlighted the importance of military counterintelligence, border guards, and units combating extremism and economic crimes.
Reports from occupied Crimea indicate the unlawful sentencing of Ukrainian citizen Yatskin to 11 years in a high-security prison, exemplifying the broad scope of repression in temporarily occupied territories.