Prosecutors Seek Up to Two Years in Prison for Russian Woman Convicted of Lying About Spy Ties

Federal prosecutors seek up to two years' imprisonment for Nomma Zarubina, a Russian national who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about her relationship with the FSB and to naturalization fraud tied to operating a prostitution business. The sentencing memorandum details prosecutors' view that she assisted Russian malign influence efforts through the Russian Center New York (linked to fugitive Elena Branson), attended the 2021 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to identify favorable journalists, and violated bail by repeatedly contacting and harassing an FBI case agent; prosecutors recommend an 18–24 month sentence.