Spy fired for stealing, the media learned about the detained American
Arrested for espionage, an American, was discharged for theft.
Arrested by the Russian police on charges of espionage in Moscow, 48-year-old former marine of the U.S. armed forces Paul Whelan was dismissed from the army for theft. The family of the detainee declared that he was innocent, and they fear for his safety. Whelan was detained by the FSB in conducting the espionage action. He faces 10 to 20 years of imprisonment.
Arrested by the Russian police on charges of espionage in Moscow, 48-year-old former marine of the U.S. armed forces Paul Whelan was dismissed from the army for theft, reports the Washington Post.
Whelan entered service in 1994 and has risen through the ranks, becoming a staff Sergeant. He was in two tours in Iraq in 2004 and 2006.
The family of the arrested declared that he was innocent, and they fear for his safety.
“We are deeply concerned for his safety and well-being. His innocence is not in doubt, and we believe that his rights will be respected” — gives the American media a statement from the family.
Twin brother Whelan, David said that Paul was in Moscow at the wedding of the same marine, held in a prestigious hotel in Central Moscow on December 28, the day of his arrest.
Under Russian law, guilty of spying for a foreign state, may obtain from 10 to 20 years of imprisonment.
Members of the American government was supposed to visit Whelan in custody, in accordance with the obligations under the Vienna Convention, which requires consular access to the detainee was provided within 72 hours of arrest.
But due to the suspension of the activities of U.S. government agencies that do not work — although the U.S. Embassy was not closed, they work with reduced staff. According to the American side, it can take months before the case is resolved.
Whelan works as Director of corporate security in the company BorgWarner, the supplier of auto parts located in Auburn hills, Michigan, the company has business contracts in Russia.