Court sentences volunteer corps member to prison for spying for Russia

Ivan Dmitrijev, a member of Estonia's Kaitseliit volunteer corps, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for espionage activities supporting Russia's Federal Security Service.

The Viru County Court convicted Ivan Dmitrijev, sentencing him to four years and 11 months for spying for Russia from March to May 2022.
Dmitrijev engaged in intelligence activities against Estonia, including the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle to gather sensitive information.
The case highlights ongoing espionage concerns in Estonia, particularly due to the heightened tensions with Russia amid geopolitical conflicts.

Why It Matters

This case underscores the persistent threat of espionage in Estonia, a country sharing a border with Russia, and signals the need for vigilance in national security as geopolitical tensions escalate.