Published 15 hours ago • loading... • Updated 56 minutes ago
Man Arrested in Russia over Accusations of Spying for New Zealand
The FSB said the suspect contacted New Zealand intelligence and shared information that could harm Russia’s national security, prosecutors said.
On Monday, Russia's Federal Security Service arrested a 55-year-old man in Khabarovsk on accusations of spying for New Zealand, marking the first such allegation against the island nation.
According to the FSB, the man was "recruited" to gather intelligence on Russian defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region after contacting New Zealand intelligence, part of the Five Eyes security alliance.
Using email and messaging apps, the man allegedly shared information "that could be used against Russia," while an FSB video showed agents searching his home and uncovering cash and Five Eyes paraphernalia.
Facing charges of "High Treason" under the Russian Criminal Code, the man has been placed in pre-trial detention and could face life imprisonment if found guilty.
An FSB officer claimed it is "hard to imagine New Zealand working alone," suggesting "most likely the British are behind them," while Foreign Minister Winston Peters deferred comment to intelligence services.