The Novosibirsk Regional Court overturned the conviction and canceled the suspended sentence of Alexander Aseev, the former President of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), on May 30, 2025. This decision reverses the 2023 verdict of the Soviet District Court, which found Aseev guilty of fraud.

Aseev had been convicted under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Fraud) and sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment with a fine of 500,000 rubles. The sentence was initially suspended with a three-year probationary period.

In April 2025, Aseev petitioned the Soviet District Court to cancel his suspended sentence and remove his criminal record, but his request was denied. He subsequently appealed to the Novosibirsk Regional Court.

Aseev argued that the initial court failed to consider key circumstances, notably that the cottage involved in the crime had been transferred to the ownership of the Russian Federation. He also emphasized his positive character references, numerous certificates, letters of gratitude, and awards.

The Novosibirsk Regional Court ultimately granted Aseev’s request, citing his successful completion of more than half of his probationary period, payment of the fine, and timely fulfillment of his duties. The court also noted his positive characterization, incentives, and awards.

The case against Aseev stemmed from events between 2009 and 2015, during which he allegedly leased and then privatized a cottage owned by the Academy of Sciences. The initial verdict in the case was delivered in June 2023.