MOSCOW, Russia: A former employee of the U.S. consulate in Vladivostok, Robert Shonov, has been sentenced to four years and ten months in prison for his alleged collaboration with foreign powers.
Shonov, who worked at the consulate for over 25 years until 2021, was arrested this year for reportedly passing classified information about Russia’s military operations in Ukraine to the United States in exchange for financial compensation.
Following Moscow’s restrictions on local staff, he transitioned to a role as a private contractor, compiling press accounts from publicly available Russian media sources.
Russian authorities seized approximately 400,000 roubles (around €4,000) and electronic devices linked to his alleged offenses.
The case has raised concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals and dual citizens in Russia, especially amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
Washington has accused Moscow of using such detentions as leverage in potential prisoner exchange negotiations, as evidenced by recent high-profile swaps, including the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
Despite diplomatic tensions, several Americans remain in detention in Russia, highlighting ongoing risks for foreign nationals in the country.
