An Estonian court has sentenced a 42-year-old woman to eight years and six months in prison for spying for China, a spokeswoman told AFP on Friday.

Gerli Mutso was found guilty of assisting Chinese military intelligence in exchange for payment of more than 20,000 euros ($21,400).

Court spokeswoman Viivika Siplane said Mutso was also found guilty of illegally handling a small amount of narcotics.

Mutso was detained in 2020 together with marine scientist Tarmo Kouts, who was sentenced last year to three years.

In its 2021-2022 annual report, Estonia's internal security service noted continuing efforts by Chinese intelligence to recruit Estonian officials, scientists and opinion leaders.