The independent outlet Verstka has published an analysis of Russian prosecutions for treason and espionage. Months later, he was arrested, convicted of treason, and sentenced to 15 years in a high-security penal colony. From 2022 through June 2026, at least 1,904 people were accused of treason, espionage, or cooperation with foreign states; 1,497 were identified. After the start of Russia's War on Ukraine, lawmakers broadened the definitions of treason and espionage, added criminal liability for cooperation with foreign states or international organizations, and transferred investigations to regional FSB offices. The outlet said official figures substantially undercount convictions: Russia’s Supreme Court reported 262 treason convictions in 2025, while Verstka documented 514.