Russia’s domestic security apparatus has arrested an American citizen in Moscow on suspicion of espionage, starting a court action against him.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) named the detainee as “Paul Whelan,” saying he had been nabbed on Friday during a “spying action,” various Russian news outlets reported on Monday, citing an FSB statement.
“The FSB began criminal proceedings against the man under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code, which covers the crime of espionage,” Russia Today said, adding, “No details of the suspect’s identity or facts surrounding the operation were immediately disclosed.”
FSB says on 28 Dec they detained US citizen Paul Whelan ‘carrying out spying activity’ in Moscow. Being investigated under A276 – Espionage (gathering/handing over Russian state secrets to a foreign state / organisation or info to be used vs Russian security). No more info yet
— Sarah Rainsford (@sarahrainsford) December 31,…