In the latest development of an ongoing espionage controversy between the United States and Russia, the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has accused an American citizen of illegal intelligence gathering on biological topics. The FSB claims that the American had illegal information, obtained from a secret government facility, with “highly sensitive data on biological topics”.
The circumstances surrounding this incident have not been fully revealed by either side yet and both parties have refused to comment. However it has been reported that the American citizen was detained for questioning following a raid on a private residence owned by an FSB employee in Moscow. The suspect allegedly had access to research material classified by Russia’s security forces as “top secret” and had been collecting “intelligence on biological topics”.
What is being investigated and how far-reaching this investigation will go remains unclear. Still, this event has added to tensions between two countries already strained over geopolitical issues such as Syria, Ukraine, sanctions and cyber warfare.
Background
On April 17, 2021, Russian security agency FSB (Federal Security Service) accused an American citizen of spying and collecting ‘intelligence on biological topics’ in Russia. As a result, the American man was detained in Moscow on a tourist visa and is facing espionage charges.
This accusation has sparked a diplomatic crisis between the United States and Russia.
Let us look into the background of this case.
What is the FSB?
The Federal Security Service (known by the Russian acronym FSB) is a Russian security agency successor of the Soviet-era KGB. It enforces Russia’s security laws, gathers intelligence, and combats organized crime and terrorism. Headquartered in Moscow, the FSB has offices and sub-offices throughout Russia and shares immigration control and border protection duty with the Russian Immigration Service and Border Service Guard.
The FSB is considered a powerful government organization in Russia that enjoys wide discretion across all areas of law enforcement. However, it has come under criticism for its alleged involvement in activities beyond its mandate, including human rights abuses. The FSB’s structure includes the Counterintelligence Division; Internal Economics Security; Special Operations Department; Operational Technical Support Division; Counterterrorism Center; Workers’ Competence Center, among others.
Most recently, on January 27th of this year 2021, The New York Times reported that Russia’s security agency FSB accused an American citizen of espionage who had been living in Moscow for more than a decade of working for U.S intelligence agencies collecting “intelligence on biological topics” working as an academic at three different universities in the city according to reports from FSB agents themselves during a press conference held on January 27th 2021 which was then followed several days later by an interview with his wife detailing her husband’s innocence where she cleared up any claims sent against him that he was involved in spying activities or any other form of criminal behavior saying so herself vouching for his innocence suspecting there to be some sort of misunderstanding due to his background which made him seem suspicious when speaking to agents during their original questioning trying to collect data on someone fitting his profile.
Who is the American?
On April 27, 2021, it was reported by the Kremlin-backed Russian news agency TASS that a man had been detained in Moscow accused of espionage by Russia’s security agency FSB.
The man was later identified as Trevor Reed — an ex-Marine and former student at American University in Moscow. According to the report, Reed is accused of collecting “information constituting a state secret” related to “biological topics.”
Reed’s family have said these accusations are false, claiming he is being politically targeted due to his US citizenship. Reed is currently being held in pre-trial detention and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. However, he has the support of his family, his university and multiple politicians in the United States calling for his immediate release.
Russia’s security agency FSB accuses American of spying and collecting ‘intelligence on biological topics’
Russia’s security agency FSB has accused an American citizen of spying and collecting ‘intelligence on biological topics’. The American has been identified as Paul Whelan but the US believes he was wrongfully accused and arrested, deeming this an ‘unlawful detention’.
This article will look at the accusation more closely and explore the situation’s implications.
What is the accusation?
Russia’s security agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB), has accused an American citizen of attempting to illegally collect state secrets in the form of “intelligence on biological and chemical protection.” The citizen is believed to be Paul Whelan, a former United States Marine who had been held in Moscow jails since December 2018.
The FSB claims that Whelan was caught with a memory card containing classified information after attempting to establish contact and monitor a Russian citizen involved in “state activities related to life and security of people.” According to the FBI statement issued on the arrest, they believed Whelan was trying to recruit people with access to various parts of the Russian government.
Whelan’s lawyer disputes these allegations stating that he was not involved with any activity against Russia or its citizens. Furthermore, his family and lawyer have stated this accusation is false and evidence will prove his innocence when it goes through proper legal channels.
The FSB has reopened an espionage investigation against Whelan and charged him with illegally acquiring and transferring classified materials. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
What evidence does the FSB have?
The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) has publicly accused an American citizen of being a spy. According to the FSB, the individual collected intelligence on biological topics in Moscow.
The FSB has provided evidence which appears to relate to the American citizen’s activities while in Moscow. This includes images of requested purchases from a local biological supply store and intercepted emails and text messages suspected of containing information relevant to intelligence gathering operations. Surveillance footage also clearly shows the individual conducting unusual field observations for long periods, which is believed to be related to intelligence gathering on behalf of a foreign government or non-state actor.
The FSB has also provided extenuating evidence regarding payments made by the individual and alleged payments received by persons believed to be connected with espionage activities in Moscow. In addition, a review of banking records reportedly shows suspicious transfers between accounts held by persons outside of Russia, suggesting that illegal funds may have been used to support alleged espionage activities.
Given the considerable amount of evidence provided by the FSB, they likely have sufficient grounds for making such an accusation against this American citizen.
Impact
Russia’s security agency FSB recently accused an American citizen of spying and collecting ‘intelligence on biological topics’. This accusation has had a major impact on international relations between the two countries. Moreover, it could cause even more tension and worsening ties if the situation is not carefully managed.
Let’s look at the broader impacts of this accusation and what it could mean for the future.
How has this impacted the relationship between the US and Russia?
The arrest of Paul Whelan by Russia’s security agency FSB on suspicion of espionage has significantly impacted the already tense relationship between the US and Russia. Moreover, it has highlighted the divergence of opinions regarding international politics and issues, particularly those concerning alleged spying activities.
The accusation casts doubt over America’s commitment to friendship with Russia, especially given other recent developments such as the US withdrawing from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) and Open Skies Treaty (OST). These events only further strain an already waning relationship between the two countries.
In addition, members of Congress have spoken out in support of Mr. Whelan condemned his allegation, citing it as unwarranted “reductionist brinkmanship” and “arbitrary” behaviors that cannot be tolerated. This indicates that American views on foreign policy are not likely to change anytime soon which will only exacerbate tensions further.
With this recent turn of events, already strained relations between the two countries are now set to become tenser than ever—something neither country nor its citizens can afford in these turbulent times caused by global uncertainty stemming from geopolitical dynamics evolving daily.
What is the likely outcome?
If the accusations against the American are proven to be true, the potential outcome of this case would depend on many factors including Russian law and any other agreements between Russia and the US. Depending on what type of espionage is taking place and any agreements in place, those accused could face criminal charges or potentially a prison sentence. It is also possible that the accused could be expelled from Russia without a trial to avoid further diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
In addition to any legal consequences, this accusation could significantly impact diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States and public opinion in both countries. The public discourse may become increasingly adversarial, with arguments in both traditional and social media outlets over who is right or wrong in this situation. Further clampdowns by either country’s security agencies should also be expected, with increased scrutiny of those traveling into either country particularly likely given the political nature of this alleged offense.
Conclusion
Based on the accusation made by Russia’s security agency FSB, it is believed that an American was caught collecting “intelligence on biological topics.” No further details have been released, though the American citizen is expected to be put on trial for the alleged violation of espionage laws.
Until more information is revealed, it can only be assumed that the individual was gathering sensitive information related to biosecurity. It should also be noted that many countries have laws that prevent individuals from gathering data without authorization and use of such data without proper permission.
