Scientist Valentin Danilov From Krasnoyarsk, Charged With Espionage, Can Be Also Charged With Fraud

Valentin Danilov, the scientist from Krasnoyarsk detained by the Federal Security Service, or FSB, in February, 2001 on suspicion of espionage, is likely to be charged with fraud, a source in the regional FSB department said Tuesday. According to investigation officers of the Krasnoyarsk Federal Security Service department, the scientist concluded a contract with a foreign firm and revealed classified information, that helped reduce the timeframe for construction of a high protection military space group by 15 years. Federal Security Service officials note that Russian devices, that protect orbited telecommunications satellites from solar radiation and various kinds of interference have been 15 years ahead of their foreign analogues. Now, law enforcers say, the lead is lost. Moreover, the investigation stresses that the cost of the contract, concluded by Danilov, exceeds $350 thousand. He put a considerable part of the sum on an account of a false company, and then received a "certain sum" in cash. This, according to the source, can result in yet another charge against Danilov - fraud.

Visit www.rian.ru for RIA 'Novosti' news.