Harju County Court Convicts Israeli Citizen of Espionage for FSB
The Harju County Court has convicted Israeli citizen Anatoly Privalov for espionage on behalf of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), sentencing him to six and a half years in prison.
The Harju County Court has found Anatoly Privalov, an Israeli citizen, guilty of espionage activities against the Republic of Estonia on behalf of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The court imposed a sentence of six years and six months, which includes time served during pre-trial detention, starting from the date of his arrest on October 12, 2025. This conviction highlights concerns over foreign espionage activities in Estonia, which is a member of NATO and located near Russia.
Privalov engaged in espionage activities as far back as 2016, establishing connections with FSB officers and actively supporting operations targeting Estonia's national security. The court concluded that his actions persisted nearly a decade, culminating in his arrest in 2025. The prosecution's evidence indicated a detailed agreement regarding the nature of his support for the FSB, raising alarms about the extent of foreign influence and intelligence operations in the Baltic region.
The court's decision not only reflects the severity of the offensesbut also serves as a warning against espionage, particularly in the context of heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe. Given Estonia's strategic location and its role in security arrangements within NATO, this case underscores the ongoing threat posed by foreign intelligence services and the need for vigilance in safeguarding national security.