Russia Reports Arrest of American Citizen on Espionage Charges

On Monday, January 1, the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) announced the arrest of an American citizen in Moscow on suspicion of espionage. According to Reuters, the FSB stated that this American citizen was detained on December 28 (three days ago) and a criminal case has been opened against him. In this context, the U.S. Department of State announced that Russia has informed the United States about the arrest of this American citizen, and Washington hopes that this citizen will be granted access to consular assistance. The Kremlin has described the U.S. accusations against Maria Butina as 'completely unfounded.' A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State stated, 'We have requested access to this detained citizen and expect Russian officials to facilitate such access.' The English section of the TASS news agency also reported that the name of the detained American citizen is Paul Whelan. However, official sources have not yet confirmed this report. Under Russian law, espionage charges can lead to prison sentences of 10 to 20 years. Relations between Moscow and Washington have deteriorated following Russia's annexation of Crimea. The U.S. and Western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia and its officials in support of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Maria Butina, a Russian citizen, accepted charges of 'conspiracy against the U.S. government and failing to register as a foreign agent' in a Washington court on Thursday, December 13. Maria Butina, a graduate of American University in Washington and a supporter of gun ownership rights, accepted the charge of conspiracy as a foreign agent (of Russia). According to this report, Ms. Butina will be the first Russian citizen to be sentenced in the case of Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.