He "initiatively" provided secret information to the American intelligence for money, which became known to him through his service in the Foreign Ministry.
On the eve of the New Year, former employee of the Russian Foreign Ministry, 38-year-old Arseniy Konovalov, was sentenced to 12 years in a strict regime penal colony on charges of cooperating with U.S. intelligence. This was reported by the media, citing the Public Relations Center (PRC) of the FSB. The Moscow City Court also fined the diplomat, who was detained back in March 2024, 100,000 rubles (1,100 euros). Additionally, he was sentenced to one year of restriction of freedom.
According to the investigation materials, Konovalov committed the crime during a "long-term foreign assignment" in the U.S. He "initiatively" provided secret information to the American intelligence for money, which became known to him through his service in the Foreign Ministry, the FSB reported. A criminal case was initiated against the diplomat under the article on treason (Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
The FSB did not specify what specific information Konovalov provided to U.S. intelligence and with which American agency he allegedly collaborated. U.S. intelligence agencies have not yet commented on the situation.
According to Kommersant, Konovalov held the position of second secretary at the Russian Consulate General in Houston. He worked in the U.S. from 2014 to 2017.
According to the human rights project "First Department," 2025 has become a record year for the number of convictions in cases of treason, espionage, confidential cooperation with foreigners, and aiding the enemy. Since the beginning of the year, 470 people have been convicted on such charges. At least 420 more are under investigation, and the cases of 179 people have been submitted to the courts. There have been no acquittals in these cases.
