A senior figure at a leading Russian research institute is under investigation on suspicion of treason, accused of sharing confidential information with China. The claim centers on a senior scientist from the SB RAS Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, who is said to have faced an arrest tied to potential data transfers. The details come from discussions within the institution and people familiar with the proceedings.
One account suggests that the researcher, aged 56, may have exchanged restricted data with the Chinese side at a scientific conference more than half a decade ago, in 2017. In contrast, the researcher maintains that the information involved was not classified or sensitive, insisting on the absence of wrongdoing on their part.
According to those familiar with the case, the individual contends that the data in question was open knowledge or non-sensitive in nature, challenging the interpretation that it represented confidential material.
Earlier developments tied this case to a broader sense of betrayal linked to the institute’s principal investigator, another senior scientist, who is also associated with the alleged espionage activity. The unfolding narrative points to unsettled questions about governance, oversight, and integrity within the research community involved.
During a separate briefing, the presidential press secretary commented on the issue, stating that there is no broad pattern of scientists being arrested on treason charges. The briefing emphasized that intelligence and security services carry out their duties as part of state responsibilities, while avoiding broader generalizations about researchers and institutions.