Man in Newfoundland sentenced for threatening Russian ambassador in 2022

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

ST. JOHN’S — Police in Newfoundland and Labrador say a 41-year-old man was sentenced this week for threatening the Russian ambassador to Canada in 2022.

RCMP say they were notified in late 2022 about emails sent to the Russian Embassy in Ottawa threatening Oleg Stepanov, the Russian ambassador, and his family.

A spokesperson for the Mounties said an investigation revealed that the man responsible for the emails was in St. John’s, N.L.

Police say they arrested him in 2023.

He pleaded guilty in March to charges of criminal harassment and uttering threats.

A news release says the man received a 24-month conditional sentence, which will be followed by 36 months of probation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2026

The Canadian Press