Media: Russia hands down record 468 treason and espionage convictions in 2025

The year 2025 has marked an unprecedented rise in convictions in Russia on charges of treason, espionage, and related offences, with 468 people sentenced under these articles, according to a report by ASTRA citing data from the human rights project Perviy Otdel (“First Department”).

This figure represents an all-time record since 1997, when the current Russian Criminal Code entered into force. For comparison, between 1997 and February 24, 2022, Russian courts handed down a total of 196 convictions on similar charges, underscoring the sharp escalation recorded this year.

According to the study, the convictions in 2025 were issued under several “espionage-related” provisions of the Criminal Code, including treason (Article 275), espionage (Article 276), confidential cooperation with foreign nationals (Article 275.1), and providing assistance to the enemy (Article 276.1). Since the beginning of the year, courts have convicted 468 individuals under these articles. In addition, at least 420 people are currently under investigation on similar charges, while case materials for another 179 defendants have already been transferred to the courts. The report notes that no acquittals have been recorded in any of these cases.

The analysis also highlights that Ukrainian citizens account for a significant share of those convicted. Of the 468 sentences handed down in 2025, 161 involved Ukrainian nationals.

Researchers further found a high level of secrecy surrounding such trials. In approximately 75% of cases related to espionage and treason, Russian courts concealed the full names of the defendants, limiting public access to information about the proceedings.

Another notable development identified by Perviy Otdel concerns the severity of sentences. Prior to 2025, there had been no documented cases in which life imprisonment was imposed on defendants convicted of treason. In 2025, however, two individuals received life sentences on treason charges. In addition, two more defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment under espionage articles.

By Tamilla Hasanova