Court sentences well-known marine scientist to prison for spying for China

The Tallinn-based Harju County Court sentenced noted marine scientist Tarmo Kouts to prison for spying for China. Photo: Küllike Rooväli / Postimees

The Tallinn-based Harju County Court sentenced noted marine scientist Tarmo Kouts, a namesake of the former commander of the Estonian defense Forces, to prison for spying for China.

Kouts, 57, was convicted of maintaining a relationship antagonistic to Estonia as well as of participating in intelligence activities against Estonia and was sentenced to three years' imprisonment by the court.

The proceeds of the crime were confiscated from Tallinn University of Technology researcher Kouts in the extent of approximately 17,000 euros.

Public Prosecutor Inna Ombler told BNS that Chinese intelligence is also interested in people who possess information concerning the security of the Republic of Estonia, the European Union and partners.

"As the disclosure of court proceedings has been limited and part of the criminal case is still in closed proceedings, the prosecutor's office cannot currently disclose exactly what information Tarmo Kouts handed over to Chinese intelligence in the commission of crimes against the state," she said.

Kouts was arrested by the Internal Security Service on Sept. 9 last year.

From 2006 to 2014, Kouts was a member of the scientific committee of the Ministry of Defense, and from 2006 to 2012, a member of the scientific committee of NATO's Center for Maritime Research and Experimentation, previously named NATO Undersea Research Center.