Russian professor jailed in Estonia on espionage charges

A former professor at Estonia’s University of Tartu has been convicted on espionage charges and sentenced to six years and three months in prison.

Viacheslav Morozov, a Russian academic who previously held the post of professor of international political theory, was found guilty by the Harju District Court of “activities against the Republic of Estonia in the interests or on the assignment of a foreign security service”.

The Estonian Internal Security Service and the Office of the Prosecutor General said Professor Morozov “had a long-term cooperation” with the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the military intelligence agency commonly known as the GRU. The agencies did not reveal how Professor Morozov pleaded to the charges.

“Russia’s special services tasked Morozov with collecting information about the Republic of Estonia’s internal, defence and security policies, as well as the people and infrastructure connected to these fields in Estonia,” state prosecutor Triinu Olev said in a statement.

“For example, Morozov sent Russia’s special services information about Estonia’s political situation and elections, alliances and social integration. This included facts he had access to as a researcher, as well as public information that Russia can use to endanger Estonia.”

The Internal Security Service said Professor Morozov had been recruited by Russian intelligence as a university student and was instructed to “start active operation” upon his move to Estonia. While he received a fee for his work, “the sums were insignificant”, the government agency said.

The GRU “did not interfere with his academic activity”, the statement said.

The agency went on to warn Estonians against studying in Russia, stating: “Officers of Russian special services are faculty member of Russian universities and recruit people at the institutions.”

Professor Morozov was first arrested on 3 January, with the University of Tartu subsequently announcing the termination of his contract “at his own request”.

Following Professor Morozov’s trial, a university spokesperson said: “Until his arrest, the university had no reason to suspect that Viacheslav Morozov was in any way involved in activities against the Republic of Estonia, and at first, it was shocking news for everyone.

“However, as a university close to a hostile country, it should certainly come as no surprise that there may be collaborators and agents of aggressor states among us,” the spokesperson continued.

“Due to our geopolitical location, we are constantly aware of the danger and organise relevant employee training to raise awareness about these dangers. We have repeatedly drawn attention to the importance of constant vigilance.

“Our academic community’s level of trust and confidence suffered greatly, and we hope to move on after this case is closed.”

The political scientist’s initial arrest sparked controversy on social media, with some academics criticising the University of Tartu for cutting ties with Professor Morozov before he had been tried.

Speaking to Times Higher Education in January, Kristiina Tõnnisson, head of the university’s Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, said it was “crucial to emphasise” that Professor Morozov had asked to end his contract.

“I can understand the shock and disappointment of fellow academics – he was highly valued as a colleague and as a researcher. It is disturbing and upsetting to discover he is suspected of such acts, but the University of Tartu has no reason to question the decisions of the Estonian Internal Security Service,” she said.

emily.dixon@timeshighereducation.com