The Russian security services (FSB) announced Thursday that they have opened an investigation for “espionage” against an American citizen, in the midst of a diplomatic crisis between Moscow and Washington linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
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The FSB did not specify the identity of this American citizen, or if he had been arrested, or even if he was in Russia or abroad.
“The American is suspected of having collected intelligence relating to biological matters that go against the security of the Russian Federation,” the FSB said in a brief statement.
In Washington, the State Department said “to be aware of this unconfirmed information of an investigation targeting an American citizen” while stressing that “in general, Russia does not respect its obligations to notify in time and timely any detention of US citizens in Russia”.
“This is something we are monitoring closely and have engaged directly with the Russian authorities,” added spokesman Vedant Patel.
Several American citizens are currently being held in Russia, which contributes to poisoning relations between Moscow and Washington.
Americans and Russians accuse each other of detaining their respective nationals for political purposes. Several prisoner exchanges have taken place in the past.
Last month, Russia freed American basketball star Brittney Griner, convicted of “drug trafficking” after entering Russia with a vape containing cannabis oil, against a famous arms dealer detained in the United States, Viktor Bout.
A former US serviceman, Paul Whelan, was arrested in Russia in 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in prison for “espionage”, despite his denials. He is still in jail.
