Tuva Philharmonic soloist arrested in Moscow on espionage charges. No public explanation for disappearance of Mongolia‑born singer

On January 29, the Lefortovo District Court in Moscow ordered the arrest of 31-year-old Tsetsendelger Tegshee under Article 276 of Russia’s Criminal Code, which covers espionage. While the authorities have not disclosed any details of the case, Mediazona has learned that Tegshee is currently being held in Lefortovo detention center.

Under Russian law, espionage charges can only be brought against people holding citizenship of another country. Given that Tegshee was born in Mongolia, it is likely he holds Mongolian citizenship.

According to the website Cultural Heritage of Tuva, which is affiliated with the regional Ministry of Culture, Tegshee was born into a family of herders in Mongolia. He enrolled at the Kyzyl College of Arts in Tuva in 2010 and has been a soloist with the Tuva State Philharmonic since 2018. In Tuva, he enjoys local fame and has more than 14,000 followers on Instagram.

In January 2024, the head of the Republic of Tuva, Vladislav Khovalyg, publicly thanked Tegshee and his wife, fellow Philharmonic performer Elena Kuular, during an official ceremony marking the end of what was dubbed the “Year of Popular Unity”.

Tegshee’s social media accounts have not been updated since January 25. His wife has denied that he was detained. In response to questions about his sudden disappearance from social media, Kuular claimed he had travelled to visit his parents, who are herders, and that there is “no reception” in the area. She added: “He’ll be back in touch soon.”

Tegshee had been scheduled to perform alongside Kuular and other artists at a concert on February 10 at the House of Folk Art in Kyzyl. However, when Mediazona contacted the venue, staff confirmed the concert had been cancelled. After being asked about the event, Kuular blocked the Mediazona reporter on social media.

The Mongolian consulate in Moscow declined to comment on the case and did not respond to questions about whether a consular official had visited Tegshee in detention. Staff at the Tuva Philharmonic also refused to speak, saying they “had no idea” what had happened before hanging up.

On February 6, the Philharmonic’s official VK page posted a birthday greeting for Tegshee. By that time, he had already been arrested.