Ex-Marine Arrested In Moscow For 'spying' Is Innocent, Family Says

Washington, Jan 2 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jan, 2019 ) :An American ex-Marine arrested in Moscow for alleged espionage is innocent, his family said Tuesday.

The detention of Paul Whelan marked the latest in a series of espionage cases between Russia and the West.

"We have read reports of the arrest in Moscow of Paul Whelan, our son and brother," said a statement posted on Twitter by David Whelan, who said he is the brother of Paul.

"Paul is a retired Marine and was visiting Moscow to attend a wedding," it continued, adding that he stopped being in communication with his family on Friday, "which was very much out of character for him even when he was traveling." The family added they learned of the arrest through the media on Monday morning and had been in touch with US lawmakers, as well as the State Department.

"We are deeply concerned for his safety and well-being.

His innocence is undoubted and we trust that his rights will be respected," the statement said.

Russia's FSB domestic security service said the American was arrested on Friday "while carrying out an act of espionage." A criminal case had been opened under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code which allows for prison sentences of up to 20 years, the FSB said in a statement.

Whelan's employer, US-based automotive components supplier BorgWarner, said that he is the firm's director of global security.

"He is responsible for overseeing security at our facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan and at other company locations around the world," the company said in a statement, adding it has been in contact with relevant US authorities "in order to help our employee and the US government."