Espionage Allegation: Russian Secret Service Detains U.S. Ex-Consulate Worker, May Jail Him

Russian secret service (FSB) has arrested and detained a former employee of the U.S. consulate, and may jail him over espionage allegation.

The man, who is a Russian citizen, was arrested in Vladivostok by the Russian Secret Service and stands accused of collecting information relating to the special military operation in Ukraine.

If found guilty of collaborating with foreign powers to harm national security, reports say, the suspect would face up to eight years in prison.

The service believes he acted on behalf of the U.S. embassy, a major Russian rival.

The man was also accused of having passed on information about mobilisation processes and about the potential for protests ahead of the Russian presidential elections, reports said using the Kremlin’s term for the Russian invasion of its neighbor, Ukraine

READ ALSO: Breaking -Tension As Russian Paratrooopers Deploy To Belarus, Britain, US React

The accused man is believed to have obtained and given sensitive information on Russia to the embassy’s political department in return for payment.

The FSB said two U.S. diplomats would be interrogated in connection with the case.

The incident threatened to further strain the already tense relationship between Russia and the U.S. amid the ongoing war.

Moscow has made similar arrests in the past, aiming to later exchange the detainees for Russian citizens held by the U.S.

READ ALSO: Criminal Investigations: Donald Trump Releases Another Controversy

It is the second espionage allegation time this year leading to Russian intelligence service arresting U.S. correspondent of the Wall Street Journal, Evan Gershkovich, on espionage charges.

Both Gershkovich and the newspaper denied the accusations, but is still being held in custody for an incident that happened last march.

.