Russia says its security services had detained a US citizen in Moscow accused of spying, the latest in a series of espionage cases between Russia and the West.
The FSB domestic security service says the American was arrested on Friday “while carrying out an act of espionage.”
A criminal case had been opened, the FSB says in a statement, under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code, which allows for prison sentences of up to 20 years.
The statement identifies the American in Russian, using a name that appeared to translate as Paul Whelan.
In Washington, the State Department says it had been formally notified by Russia’s foreign ministry and was seeking access to the detained American.
“Russia’s obligations under the Vienna Convention require them to provide consular access. We have requested this access and expect Russian authorities to provide it,” a State Department spokesperson says.
Citing privacy considerations, the State Department declined to provide further details including the person’s name.
— AFP
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