Russian citizen Igor Rogov, once a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, now faces seven years in a Polish jail for spying for Moscow. His wife Irina was sentenced to three years.
Warsaw has been on high alert for Russian sabotage since the invasion of Ukraine over four years ago. According to court documents seen by AFP, Rogov gathered information on Russian opposition members and organisations in Poland.
Rogov, a former activist for the anti-Kremlin group Open Russia, was living in Poland with his wife since 2022. He appeared in court holding a poster with slogans against Putin’s rule, reported Polish media.
The couple’s sentencing came after a closed-door trial, with Warsaw citing national security reasons. They have been in detention since their arrest two years ago, according to the court.
Prosecutors said Rogov spied for the FSB between February and August 2022, passing on data to his wife, who was due to transfer it to Russian intelligence officers. He also sent a parcel containing explosives through a courier company in July 2024, which was intercepted by Polish security services.
Rogov’s past is marked by opposition to the Kremlin. He worked for the late Alexei Navalny’s organisation since 2017 and later joined Open Russia, backed by exiled oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
As reported by AFP and Euro News, the case highlights the ongoing tensions between Poland and Russia. With the sentencing, Warsaw sends a strong message to Moscow, said Polish authorities.
The case will likely escalate tensions between Poland and Russia, with potential repercussions for European security. As the situation unfolds, Poland will remain on high alert for Russian sabotage, according to authorities.
Looking ahead, the Polish government will continue to monitor Russian activities in the country, with a focus on preventing future espionage and sabotage attempts. The sentencing of Rogov and his wife serves as a warning to Moscow, said Polish officials, and a reminder of the country’s commitment to national security.
