Former defense worker Artem Vasilyev, convicted of firearms offences, made ‘good friends’ in prison, judge says

A former electronics engineer, who was in the process of being “radicalized” by “far-right ideologies” when he was arrested, was sentenced to a minimum of three years in prison but is currently eligible to apply for parole.

Artem Vasilyev pleaded guilty to 19 counts of possessing an unregistered firearm, one count of possessing a firearm without identifying marks and two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm after a police raid at his home in Findon, west of Adelaide, in 2021.

The 27-year-old was also accused of plotting a terrorist attack, but he denied the charge and was subsequently found not guilty by a jury earlier this year.

Vasilyev was first taken into custody three years ago and has since made “good friends” in prison, according to South Australian Supreme Court Justice Sandi McDonald.

On Thursday, Judge McDonald sentenced Vasilyev, a former Defense Department employee, to four years and nine months in prison, with a non-parole period of three years.

But the sentence was based on the date Vasilyev was first detained three years ago, meaning he can now apply for parole.

Judge McDonald said a report prepared by forensic psychologist Loraine Lim found that Vasilyev was in the process of radicalization at the time of his arrest in September 2021.

“Dr Lim has formed the view that your interest in extreme ideologies goes beyond mere curiosity and an altruistic desire to protect Australia’s national security,” he said.

“In his view you were a person in the process of radicalization when you collected extremist material and chatted with other like-minded individuals.

“You were not yet fully radicalized when you were caught and detained.

Judge McDonald said the view was based on “far-right ideologies on computers, firearms, explosives, terrorism-related material and ways to avoid detection by authorities.”

But he said a report concluded that Vasilyev’s risk of re-offending and committing acts of violence was now low.

“Dr Lim has observed that since your arrest, your insight into your disturbing behavior has increased significantly and you have accepted appropriate responsibility and accountability for your behaviour,” he said.

“However, it cannot be ignored that you are someone who is so quick to join in and embrace an ideology that most members of society would find repugnant.”

‘Desire to stay in touch with inmates’

Judge McDonald said the 27-year-old had a “smooth experience” in prison and made “good friends”.

“You stated that you did not encounter any difficulties in socializing with other inmates,” he said.

“Rather, you believe that your social skills improved significantly during your time in detention because it was a sink-or-swim situation.

Judge McDonald said defense lawyer Scott Henchliffe KC had previously told the court that Vasiliev’s interest in firearms stemmed from his upbringing in Russia, but “using a 3D printer to produce parts and build a real gun from about 2019 was clearly reckless and reckless.” He said he accepted. misinformed decision”.

He also said that Vasiliev’s arrest “caused a shock” for him and “forced” him to “reflect and re-evaluate your previous lifestyle and poor decision-making.”

“However, Dr Lim expressed concern about you expressing a desire to remain in contact with inmates you befriended while in custody,” he said.