A woman named Nomma Zarubina, aged 35, who was working for the FSB, equivalent to the KGB, has been imprisoned after sending a drunk text to an FBI agent. This incident occurred after she had been previously arrested for messaging a US federal agent with the words “catch me baby.”
In 2024, prosecutors accused Zarubina of deceiving the FBI regarding her connections to the Kremlin and later added charges of trafficking women for prostitution. She admitted to espionage under the alias “Alyssa,” revealing that she was recruited by the FSB in Tomsk to influence American think tanks with pro-Russia perspectives.
Photographs on Zarubina’s social media depicted her at international relations conferences in the US, while her LinkedIn profile indicated her involvement with a UN-affiliated nonprofit organization called Veil of Hope.
While awaiting trial, Zarubina had her bail revoked for harassing an investigator by sending sexually suggestive messages. Subsequently, she bombarded the man with 65 texts in one night, expressing love and derogatory remarks when he did not respond.
In November 2025, she messaged the investigator multiple times and compared herself to Maria Butina, another Russian agent seeking influence in the US. Zarubina’s plea deal involved admitting to making false statements to the FBI and lying on her citizenship application. She potentially faces up to five years in prison for each offense, with her sentencing scheduled for June 11.
US Attorney Jay Clayton commented on the case, emphasizing Zarubina’s dishonesty with the FBI about her ties to Russia while trying to build relationships in America. FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle condemned Zarubina’s concealment of her activities and affiliations with Russian intelligence, highlighting the importance of upholding national security efforts.
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