77-year-old Russian scientist sentenced to 14 years in prison for spying.
A Russian physicist, Anatoly Maslov, has been slapped with a 14-year-prison sentence for spying by a court in St. Petersburg. The 77-year-old will have to serve his sentence in a penal colony. Over the years, he's joined the growing list of notable Russian scientists charged with treason.
Maslov denies all allegations against him. According to Kommersant, the self-claimed scientist allegedly shared classified details with the German intelligence agency.
Maslov had been working hand in hand with a bunch of fellow scientists on projects relevant to the development of hypersonic missiles. These cutting-edge weapons can move at breakneck speeds of up to ten times the speed of sound, bypassing air defense systems. The "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles have been employed by Russian troops in Ukraine, yet they've been thwarted by Ukrainian forces in their mission.
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Despite Maslov's denials, his alleged espionage activities have led to his conviction. The physicist, who had been contributing to hypersonic missile projects, will spend the next several years in a penitentiary, serving out his 14-year sentence in a penal colony for espionage activities.
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