“The Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia approved an indictment in a criminal case on charges of a citizen of the Russian Federation Ivan Safronov of committing two crimes under Art.

275 of the Criminal Code of Russia," the ministry said in a statement.

Safronov is accused of treason by espionage, including complicity with another person.

“It has been documented that illegal actions were committed by Safronov on a reimbursable basis, as well as using encryption methods,” the Prosecutor General’s Office noted.

Safronov's criminal case was sent for consideration on the merits to the Moscow City Court.

In December, the Moscow City Court granted a request for a three-month extension of Ivan Safronov's arrest in the case of treason.

Safronov was detained in July 2020.