This is an old Russian tradition – arresting scientists. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/rus...a-arrests-head-hypersonic-missile-lab-treason Many famous Russian scientists were arrested in Russia during communist regime: Andrey Tupolev (aircraft designer),, Nikolay Polikarpov (aircraft designer), Sergey Korolev (responsible for the first human spaceflight) and many more.