Russia has charged former US marine Paul Whelan with espionage, news agency reports
- The charge means Paul Whelan could face up to 20 years in prison
- Daniel Hoffman, a former CIA Moscow chief, says Whelan could have been set up to arrange an exchange for Maria Butina, an accused Russian agent in the US
A former US Marine detained in Russia has been charged with espionage, the Interfax news agency said on Thursday, meaning he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Russia’s FSB state security service detained Paul Whelan, 48, in Moscow last Friday on suspicion of spying, in a case which threatens to aggravate diplomatic tensions with the United States.
The FSB opened a criminal case against Whelan but gave no details of his alleged espionage activities.
Interfax said the Russian authorities had brought formal charges against Whelan on Thursday, citing what it described as an informed source. The Interfax report could not be independently confirmed.
US ambassador Jon Huntsman meets Paul Whelan, American held by Russia on spying charges
Whelan’s lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenkov, declined to comment on the charges but told Reuters that under the terms of the arrest order, Whelan was expected to remain in custody in Moscow until at least February 28.