Russia Arrests Scientists Suspected of Collaborating with Chinese State Security

It was reported on Friday that Russia has detained a scientist in Siberia on suspicion of treason for allegedly cooperating with the Chinese Communist Party’s state security services.

Dmitry Kolker, a doctor of physics and mathematics at Novosibirsk State University, whose website says he heads a laboratory for quantum optics technology, was detained on charges of treason, as quoted the Novosibirsk judicial department.

Kolker and the Sovetsky District Court in Novosibirsk, one of Russia’s largest cities, about 2,800 kilometers (1,750 miles) east of Moscow, did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. A lawyer for Kolker could not be reached.

In recent years, a number of Russian scientists have been arrested and charged with treason for allegedly passing sensitive materials to foreigners. Critics of the Kremlin say the arrests often stem from unfounded paranoia. State treason is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Kolker’s family stated he was accused of cooperating with the Chinese Communist Party’s state security services. According to his son, Maxim Kolker, who previously spoke at an international conference in China, has now been transferred to a prison in Moscow.

Kolker’s daughter said the scientist has been diagnosed with stage four cancer.