MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia has detained a scientist in Siberia on suspicion of treason for allegedly cooperating with Chinese security services, state news agency TASS said on Friday, citing regional authorities and the man’s family.
Dmitry Kolker, a doctor of physics and mathematics at Novosibirsk State University, whose website says he is the head of a laboratory for quantum optical technologies, was detained on charges of treason, TASS reported, citing the Novosibirsk judicial department.
Kolker and the Soviet District Court in Novosibirsk, one of Russia’s largest cities located about 2,800 km (1,750 miles) east of Moscow, did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment. Kolker’s attorney could not be reached.
A number of Russian scientists have been arrested and charged with treason in recent years for allegedly passing sensitive material to foreigners. Kremlin critics say the arrests often stem from unfounded paranoia.
Treason is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
TASS quoted Kolker’s family as saying he was accused of collaborating with Chinese security services. Kolker previously lectured at an international conference in China and has now been transferred to a prison in Moscow, his son, Maxim said.
Kolker’s daughter said that the scientist was diagnosed with cancer in the fourth stage, TASS reported.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
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