Defense employee convicted of treason

MOSCOW, May 19 (UPI) -- An employee of a Russian defense firm was sentenced to eight years in prison for passing secrets to foreign intelligence, officials say.

Alexander Gniteev was convicted of treason for passing on secrets concerning the guidance and control systems of the Bulava intercontinental missile.

RIA Novosti reported although Gniteev's employer has not been revealed, experts believe it may be the Avtomatika Science and Production Association, which develops the missiles' guidance systems

Gniteev has also been fined $3,216, and will be subject to stringent travel restrictions after he serves his sentence. The verdict may still be appealed.