Defendant Sent 65 Messages to FBI Agent in One Night
Nomma Zarubina, 35, a resident of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to perjury with the FBI and immigration authorities after sending a series of personal messages to a federal agent, including the line "Catch me, baby." She faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for June 11.
Zarubina was first arrested in November 2024 on charges of lying about her ties to Russian agents. She was released on $20,000 bail. In December of the same year, the court revoked her bail after discovering a chain of messages she sent to an FBI agent in the early morning, including 65 messages in a single night in November 2025, despite multiple warnings to cease communication.
Operated Under the Alias "Alyssa" Since 2020
According to prosecutor's filings at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the defendant admitted during summer 2024 meetings that she had been operating under the alias "Alyssa" since late 2020.
Indictment documents stated that Russian contacts requested Zarubina to connect with policy researchers in Washington, the U.S. military community, and journalists, while also seeking to invite some contacts to Russia.
Previously, Zarubina repeatedly denied contact with Russian agents during interrogations from 2021 to 2023. The case originated from an investigation involving Elena Branson, who was indicted in 2022 and subsequently left the U.S. for Moscow.
Defendant Claimed She Developed Feelings for Case Agent
At the hearing, Zarubina stated that she attended meetings with the FBI because she "developed feelings" for the agent handling her case. She denied being a spy and claimed she was misunderstood.
Judge Laura Swain concluded that the defendant violated her bail conditions by continuing to send messages and consume alcohol, leading to her pre-trial detention.
Pleads Guilty to Two Perjury Counts, Faces Deportation Risk
Prosecutors also brought separate charges in April 2025 regarding conduct related to prostitution activities in New Jersey.
In a plea agreement, Zarubina admitted to two counts of perjury: one to the FBI regarding her contacts with Russian agents, and one in her naturalization application where she denied ever engaging in prostitution.
Her public defender stated that the defendant resides in Brooklyn and is caring for a young child while awaiting trial. Following her sentencing, Zarubina faces potential deportation from the U.S.
