American citizen in Russian custody accused of espionage

Source: NBC News

American citizen in Russian custody accused of espionage

Gene Spector was convicted in Russian court last year on a bribery charge and is now in custody on an allegations of spying.

Aug. 17, 2023, 4:56 PM EDT / Updated Aug. 17, 2023, 6:44 PM EDT
By Doha Madani

An American citizen was charged with espionage in Moscow on Thursday, according to Russia’s state news agency Tass.

Gene Spector, a former pharmaceutical executive, was convicted in Russian court last year on a bribery charge, the agency said. He allegedly admitted to bribing former Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich and was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.

Court seesions for such offenses are often held behind closed doors in Russia.

The basis for the espionage charge is unclear.

The State Department said in a statement Thursday it was aware of reports of charges against a U.S. citizen in Russia.

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Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/american-citizen-russian-custody-accused-espionage-rcna100485