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A Russian-born hockey player participating in Poland has been charged with spying for Russia, according to Polish news outlets.
Poland’s Internal Security Agency detained 14 people who are believed to be part of this Russian spy ring. Poland is considered to be one of Ukraine’s biggest allies in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
A statement from Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro said the player was competing in the second-highest division of Polish hockey.
Polish media outlets identified the suspect as “Maksim S.” There are only seven Russian players who have played in the league this season, according to Elite Prospects. Maksim Sergeyev is the only “Maksim S.” competing. He also has the exact same stats as listed for “Maksim S.” in a report from Poland’s Hokej.tv.
Sergeyev has played in Russia over the past two years, registering two points and 61 penalty minutes in 23 games this year.
According to the BBC, the player is being held in pre-trial detention and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. He has yet to release a public statement on the matter.
As quoted by Russia’s state-run Interfax news publication on Friday, Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia’s foreign ministry, said, “We express our strong protest to Warsaw and demand that the Russian side be given immediate and comprehensive explanations.”
Russia and Belarus are currently banned from international tournaments held by the IIHF, with both teams only competing with themselves and Kazakhstan in exhibition events held around the same time as other major events.
A total of 19 Russian players were taken at the 2023 NHL Draft, including four in the first round. Five Belarusians were also taken. Russian and Belarusian players are still permitted to play in the NHL, but many European-based leagues have banned them. Some national teams will also not use players that play in the KHL for events such as the men’s World Hockey Championship.
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