Russia detains physicist on suspicion of passing aviation secrets abroad
Russian authorities arrested a physicist on suspicion of passing aviation secrets abroad, local media reported on Thursday.
Anatoly Gubanov, who works for the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute, will be held in custody for two months on suspicion of state treason, according to a court ruling. If found guilty, he could be jailed for up to 20 years.
“According to the investigation, Gubanov handed over secret aviation development data abroad”, local media reported, adding that the man took part in international conferences and projects involving hydrogen-powered hypersonic aircraft.
Charges of treason against workers in Russia’s industrial sectors are common. Last month, authorities sentenced a man to 13 years in prison for trying to pass military secrets to the United States.
In October, a serviceman and his brother were detained for allegedly passing state secrets to Estonia.
