Canadian Teen Sentenced in Poland for Russian Espionage
A Canadian teenager, Laken Pavan, is serving a 20-month sentence in Poland after pleading guilty to Russian espionage. His family hopes for his early release.
How a Canadian Teen Was Recruited
Pavan left Vancouver in April 2024 on what his family believed was a backpacking trip. Instead, he traveled to Turkey, Moscow, and Russian-occupied Donetsk, Ukraine. There, Russian intelligence recruited him.
According to Polish court documents, he was instructed to gather military information in Poland. Agents gave him a new phone, SIM cards, and planned to pay him in cryptocurrency. He did not speak Polish but was told to make contact with military personnel.
Arrest and Confession
Pavan was arrested in Warsaw on May 23, 2024. After drinking at a hotel bar, he confessed to being a Russian spy. His confession led to a guilty plea and a December 2024 sentencing. The Warsaw court gave him a 20-month sentence, including time served.
His mother, Andelaine Nelson, says he would not have done this without pressure. They had only recently reconnected after years of family struggles.
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Did Authorities Know?
Canadian officials may have been aware of Pavan’s movements. Toronto lawyer John Kingman Phillips suggests the RCMP and CSIS monitored him before his trip. He argues Canada should have intervened before he left. If handled in Canada, Pavan might have faced charges as a young offender instead of imprisonment abroad.
The RCMP and Public Safety Canada declined to comment.
Military Ties and Russian Targeting
Pavan comes from a military family. His father, Kevin Pavan, is a retired master corporal. Laken himself was a Canadian Armed Forces cadet and later a reservist. His military background may have made him a target for recruitment.
Russia’s Recruitment Tactics
Experts warn that Russia aggressively recruits individuals worldwide, often using online connections. Their goal is not always to gain intelligence but to create instability in NATO nations. Many recruits are disposable, used for distraction or disruption.
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Family Hopes for Transfer to Canada
Pavan’s family is working on negotiations for him to serve the rest of his sentence in Canada. Global Affairs Canada has confirmed they are discussing the case with Polish authorities.
His mother wants him home. “He turned himself in. He knew it was wrong.”
More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canadian-teenage-russian-spy-jailed-1.7474399
- https://tvpworld.com/84455136/canadian-teen-who-spied-for-russia-gets-lenient-sentence-from-warsaw-court
- https://tvpworld.com/84455136/canadian-teen-who-spied-for-russia-gets-lenient-sentence-from-warsaw-court
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