Vadim Selin

Born in Sakhalin, he later moved to Balakhna (Nizhny Novgorod Region). He worked as a waiter in a sushi bar and as a loader.

On 4 July 2024, he was detained on charges of spreading deliberately false information about the Russian Armed Forces, publicly justifying terrorism, and participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation.

According to the investigation, the latter charge was based on the fact that he filled out a questionnaire about cooperation with the Freedom of Russia Legion, after which he retrieved money from a stash. Selin admits that he filled out the questionnaire and took the money, which he spent on equipment, but emphasises that this was the end of his “cooperation,” stating that he would not go to fight on the side of Ukraine and would not commit terrorist acts. He was remanded in custody.

A video by the FSB, published by Kommersant in September 2024, shows the moment of his detention. The officers ask him how he communicated with the Legion, to which he replies that “everything was via Telegram.” The outlet, citing the FSB, reported that Selin was to be investigated for treason.

At the trial, Selin stated that during his arrest and initial interrogation he was beaten with a stun gun, and during subsequent interrogations he was threatened with beatings and with being placed in a cell where other inmates would abuse him.

On 29 August 2025, the court sentenced him to 18 years’ imprisonment, with the first four years to be served in prison and the remainder in a strict-regime penal colony.

You can read more about politically persecuted people in the Telegram channel OVD-Info LIVE and our database of politically motivated criminal prosecutions.