Sentenced to 3 years for espionage and breaching EU sanctions for smuggling 7 bottles of wine

An Estonian court has sentenced Erna Moisejeva, a 63-year-old Estonian-Russian dual citizen, to three years in prison for

• Espionage and
• Attempted breaches of EU sanctions.

The court found Erna Moisejeva, aged 63,  guilty of

• Engaging in and supporting intelligence activities against the Republic of Estonia, as well as attempting to violate sanctions. It imposed a combined sentence of three years in prison. She must also pay court costs totalling € 3,140. According to the charges, Moisejeva established a connection in Russia with an operative of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), who assigned her tasks to collect information from Estonia for FSB interests. Moisejeva gathered and transmitted information about Estonia and its people, thereby conducting and aiding intelligence activities against the country.
• Violating international sanctions. Russia is subject to international sanctions that prohibit the export of luxury goods from Estonia to Russia. Moisejeva attempted to enter Russia from Estonia on foot twice, carrying luxury goods (specifically, seven bottles of wine valued over €300)  

Charges and Offences:

1. Espionage for Russia:
• Moisejeva established contact with an operative of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in December 2023.
• She gathered and transmitted intelligence about:
• Estonian Defence Forces
• Police and border guards
• Colleagues at the Värska sanatorium spa hotel
• Individuals of interest to Russian intelligence
• Her activities were deemed to support and conduct intelligence operations against Estonia.
2. Violation of EU Sanctions:
• Moisejeva attempted to smuggle luxury goods (specifically, seven bottles of wine valued over €300) from Estonia to Russia.
• These actions violated EU sanctions prohibiting the export of luxury items to Russia.
• Estonian customs officials thwarted both smuggling attempts.
3. Legal Outcome:
• She was sentenced under a plea bargain agreement.
• In addition to the prison term, she was ordered to pay €3,140 in court costs.
• The judgment is not yet final and remains subject to appeal.

Statements from Officials:

• State Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas emphasised that even minor information can be valuable to Russian intelligence, which maps public sentiment and seeks potential recruits.
• Taavi Narits, Deputy Director General of Estonia’s Internal Security Service (KAPO), warned of the risks posed by employing dual citizens residing in Russia, citing national security concerns.

References

[1] Estonian court sentences woman to 3 years for spying for Russia https://www.baltictimes.com/estonian_court_sentences_woman_to_3_years_for_spying_for_russia/

[2] Prison Sentence For Offences Including The Attempted Export Of Luxury ...https://www.mondaq.com/export-controls-trade-investment-sanctions/1671250/prison-sentence-for-offences-including-the-attempted-export-of-luxury-goods

[3] Estonian court hands dual citizen FSB collaborator 3-year prison ...https://news.err.ee/1609779444/estonian-court-hands-dual-citizen-fsb-collaborator-3-year-prison-sentence