The intricate world of espionage often plays out in the shadows, but occasionally, it surfaces in dramatic and unexpected ways.
A recent case in New York has captured attention, as a Russian-born woman stands accused of working covertly for Moscow while masquerading as a critic of the Kremlin.
Nomma Zarubina, a 34-year-old resident of New York, has been charged by the FBI with lying about her ties to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
According to investigators, Zarubina was recruited by the FSB in 2020 and assigned to infiltrate U.S. communities, particularly targeting journalists and military personnel, according to Digi24.
Her goal, prosecutors allege, was to promote Russian interests and sway key individuals toward a pro-Moscow perspective.
Attended Opposition Rallies
Operating under the codename "Alisa," Zarubina reportedly stayed in contact with FSB agents from her hometown of Tomsk, Russia, until at least 2022.
Despite maintaining these links, she also became active in Russian anti-Putin circles in the United States, raising questions about her sudden change in stance.
In 2022, Zarubina began attending opposition rallies and posting anti-Kremlin messages online, a stark departure from her earlier patriotic social media content that praised Russia.
The FBI’s investigation linked Zarubina to Elena Branson, another alleged Russian agent who fled to Moscow after being charged in 2022. Branson had led organizations accused of operating as fronts for Kremlin influence.
Zarubina, who emigrated to the U.S. in 2016, initially presented herself as a cultural ambassador, organizing events at the Russian Cultural Center in New York.
Authorities now allege that this role helped her establish a network useful to Moscow’s intelligence objectives.
In interviews with the FBI, Zarubina admitted to lying about her relationship with the FSB, claiming fear drove her to conceal the truth. However, investigators uncovered evidence of her assignments, including attempts to gather useful contacts within the U.S.
Zarubina is out on bail but restricted to New York as she awaits her December trial. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison.
