The Russian secret service, known as the FSB, apprehended a former worker of the U.S. consulate in Vladivostok on charges of espionage. This Russian national allegedly gathered intelligence regarding the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine on behalf of the U.S. embassy.
According to the FSB’s announcement on Monday, the individual in question provided information related to the Russian incursion into Ukraine. Additionally, he stands accused of sharing details about mobilization procedures and the potential for pre-election protests within Russia.
Reportedly, he exchanged this information with the embassy’s political division in exchange for compensation. The FSB revealed that two U.S. diplomats will be subjected to questioning in connection with this incident.
Should he be found guilty of collaborating with foreign entities to jeopardize national security, the suspect could face a sentence of up to eight years in prison.
This occurrence adds strain to the already tense relations between Russia and the United States amidst the ongoing conflict. Moscow has executed similar detentions previously, aiming to facilitate the exchange of detainees for Russian citizens held by the U.S.
In an earlier instance this year, Russian intelligence arrested Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. correspondent employed by the Wall Street Journal, on espionage allegations. Gershkovich and the newspaper have both refuted the charges. The journalist has remained in custody since late March.
