In Estonia, an Israeli citizen was sentenced for espionage in favor of Russia: 6.5 years of imprisonment

A court in Estonia sentenced Israeli citizen Anatoly Privalov, residing in the country, to 6.5 years in prison on charges of espionage for the Russian Federation.

The court’s decision was reported by the Estonian public broadcaster ERR.

The case concerns cooperation with Russian special services and covers the period since 2016.

Case details: cooperation with foreign intelligence

What the investigation established

According to the investigation, since 2016, Privalov has been cooperating with Russian special services, collecting information about Estonia and its allies.

Estonia is a member of NATO and the European Union, and issues of information leakage in such a context are considered a threat not only to national but also to collective security.

The court recognized that the actions of the accused were systematic and aimed in the interests of a foreign state.

Admission of guilt and punishment

Anatoly Privalov admitted guilt as part of a procedural agreement with the investigation.

The court sentenced him to 6.5 years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine.

Such practice is typical for espionage cases, where an admission of guilt allows for an expedited judicial process.

Context: Baltic region and strengthening counterintelligence

Increase in espionage cases

Since 2014, and especially after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, the Baltic countries have strengthened counterintelligence measures.

Estonian security services regularly report attempts to gather information and recruit within the country.

Privalov’s case fits into this trend.

Citizenship issue

Official publications mention his Israeli citizenship.

However, judging by his surname and origin, it can be assumed that he may also have Russian citizenship. However, this is not explicitly stated in court materials and media reports.

This point remains unclear.

In such cases, dual citizenship is not uncommon, but the legal consequences are determined by the country where the crime was committed.

In this context, NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency notes: it is about the personal criminal responsibility of a specific individual, not the position of the state.

Geopolitical background

Estonia takes a tough stance on national security issues and countering foreign intelligence activities.

The 6.5-year prison sentence demonstrates the seriousness of the approach to such crimes.

Russia traditionally denies accusations of intelligence activities in EU countries, but judicial practice in the Baltic countries continues to form within their national legislation.

Conclusion

The facts of the case are as follows:

— cooperation with Russian special services since 2016;
— gathering information about Estonia and allies;
— admission of guilt;
— 6.5 years in prison and a fine.

Additional details about the accused’s citizenship have not been officially disclosed.

For Estonia, this is another confirmation of the priority of security.

For Israel, it is a reminder that having an Israeli passport does not exempt one from responsibility for actions outside the country.