Russian security services detained an alleged American CIA agent working in Moscow before handing him back to the US embassy, Russia's Federal Security Service (ex-KGB) said.
The alleged agent, identified as Ryan C. Fogle and said to be working under cover as embassy third secretary, was carrying "special technical equipment and written instructions for recruiting a Russian citizen" when he was detained overnight Monday, Russian news agencies quoted an FSB statement as saying.
"FSB counter-intelligence agents detained a CIA staff member who had been working under the cover of third political secretary of the US embassy in Moscow," Russia's Federal Security Service said.
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"At the moment of detention, special technical equipment was discovered, written instructions for the Russian citizen being recruited, as well as a large sum of money and means for altering appearance."
