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CIA agent 'intercepted in Moscow by FSB' | |
(35 minutes later) | |
An alleged CIA agent has been briefly detained in Moscow for allegedly trying to recruit a Russian intelligence officer, Russian media report. | An alleged CIA agent has been briefly detained in Moscow for allegedly trying to recruit a Russian intelligence officer, Russian media report. |
The man, named as US diplomat Ryan Fogle, was held overnight before being released to US officials, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said. | |
Russia has declared him "persona non grata" and ordered his expulsion, the foreign ministry said on its website. | |
The US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul, had been summoned, it added. | |
Mr Fogle is said to have worked as third political secretary at the US embassy in Moscow, which has issued no comment on the matter so far. | |
Photos have emerged of his alleged detention. | |
The agent was reportedly arrested with a large sum of money, technical devices and written instructions for the agent he had tried to recruit. | |
While it is a sensitive time for US-Russian relations because of the crisis in Syria, the FSB's claims to have unearthed a CIA agent are unlikely to have any long-term political consequences, the BBC's Steve Rosenberg reports from Moscow. | |
Both countries recently said they wished to step up security co-operation after the Boston Marathon bombing. | |
'Dear friend' | |
FSB photos purporting to show Mr Fogle during and after his detention appeared on Russian online media, such as these published by broadcaster RT. | FSB photos purporting to show Mr Fogle during and after his detention appeared on Russian online media, such as these published by broadcaster RT. |
Wearing a blue checked shirt and a plain baseball cap, he is shown being held on the ground with his hands bound, then being escorted away. | Wearing a blue checked shirt and a plain baseball cap, he is shown being held on the ground with his hands bound, then being escorted away. |
Another photo shows him sitting at desk, his hat removed. | Another photo shows him sitting at desk, his hat removed. |
Possessions said to be Mr Fogle's are laid out on a table. They include a sum of money in 500-euro banknotes and two wigs, one of which he was apparently wearing at the time of his detention. | |
Also on the table are a compass, map, knife, dark glasses and small mobile phone. | Also on the table are a compass, map, knife, dark glasses and small mobile phone. |
"FSB counter-intelligence agents detained a CIA staff member who had been working under the cover of third political secretary of the US embassy in Moscow," the FSB said. | "FSB counter-intelligence agents detained a CIA staff member who had been working under the cover of third political secretary of the US embassy in Moscow," the FSB said. |
"At the moment of detention, special technical equipment was discovered, written instructions for the Russian citizen being recruited, as well as a large sum of money and means for altering appearance." | "At the moment of detention, special technical equipment was discovered, written instructions for the Russian citizen being recruited, as well as a large sum of money and means for altering appearance." |
Russian state TV has displayed a piece of paper, which it said was Mr Fogle's letter to the Russian officer. | |
Addressing the recipient as "Dear friend", the letter offers $100,000 (£65,400) "to discuss your experience, expertise and co-operation". | |
It goes on to say: "We can offer up to $1m a year for long-term co-operation, with extra bonuses if we receive some helpful information. | |
"This is a down-payment from someone who is very impressed with your professionalism and who would greatly appreciate your co-operation in the future." | |
The letter is simply signed "Your friends". |