Only 4% of defendants in new treason cases had access to state secrets
In the first half of 2026, 43 more people were convicted in state security cases in Russia than in the same period last year. However, only 4% of those convicted had actual access to state secrets, according to journalists from the publication Verstka.
Who is being prosecuted for treason and espionage?
Since the beginning of 2022, at least 1904 defendants have been charged with "treason," "espionage," and "collaboration with foreign states." Furthermore, journalists have identified 1498 individuals and compiled the most comprehensive database of such prosecutions.
The study showed that repressive articles are most often applied to people who have no connection to classified documents. Specifically, about a third of those accused are effectively random Russian citizens, and just under a third are Ukrainian citizens.
Scientists have become a separate risk category: at least 15 Russian scientists have been charged with treason since 2022. Two-thirds of them were already 60 years old at the time of their arrest.
Tougher court sentences and record prison terms
Along with the increase in cases, there has been a significant increase in sentences. For example, the average prison term for "treason" increased from 12 years in 2022 to 16 years in the first half of 2026.
Nevertheless, punishments continue to become increasingly harsh. As a result, at least 10 people have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Verstka's full investigation can be read at this link.
