Russia arrests first South Korean citizen on suspicion of espionage

A source familiar with the TASS news agency said today, March 11, that Russia has arrested a South Korean citizen on charges of espionage.

This is also the first time Russia has detained a South Korean national on charges of collecting sensitive information. The detainee's name has been identified as Baek Won-soon, according to the source .

During the investigation of the espionage case, this person was detained in Vladivostok City by court order, according to TASS.

Russian police have arrested Baek Won-soon on suspicion of espionage.

MOSCOW NEWS AGENCY SCREENSHOT

Police then transferred Mr. Baek to Moscow for further investigation. Sources revealed that he had passed classified information to foreign intelligence agencies. The documents sold were marked "top secret."

The South Korean national was detained in Vladivostok earlier this year and transferred to Moscow in late February. He is currently being held in Lefortovo Prison. On March 11, the court extended his arrest for another three months, until June 15.

The above information was also published by The Korea Herald . Meanwhile, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on this issue.

Espionage is punishable by up to 20 years in prison in Russia, which designated South Korea as an “unfriendly state” in 2022 after Seoul imposed sanctions against Moscow for its military campaign in neighboring Ukraine, according to AFP.

Since then, the Kremlin has built closer economic and military ties with North Korea, Seoul's arch-rival.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/tass-nga-bat-cong-dan-han-quoc-dau-tien-nghi-lam-gian-diep-18524031123295256.htm