Posted on 01/01/2019 4:06:19 PM PST by yesthatjallen
The brother of a U.S. citizen arrested in Russia on espionage charges said Tuesday that he's innocent and was in Moscow to attend a wedding.
Paul Whelan, a retired Marine, was arrested in Moscow on Friday. The Russian Federal Security Service, in announcing the arrest three days later, said Whelan was caught "during an espionage operation," but gave no details.
"We are deeply concerned for his safety and well-being," his brother, David Whelan, said in a statement posted on Twitter. "His innocence is undoubted and we trust that his rights will be respected."
The Russian spying charges carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
David Whelan said on MSNBC that his brother was part of a wedding party, and the friend who was getting married had asked him to lead tours around the Kremlin because he had been to Russia before.
"He loves to travel so I wasn't at all surprised that he would be confident going to Russia. He has a law enforcement background, he's got his marine background, he does corporate security and he's aware of the risks of traveling in certain parts of the world," Whelan said.
The company Whelan works for, BorgWarner, an automotive parts supplier, said in a statement that Whelan serves as the company's director of global security and oversees a facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, as well as other locations "around the world."
ETC...
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
I’m going on a trip to the Holy Land this month with a group from my church. I am extremely nervous about going, but it is a trip of a lifetime and can only pray that we will be safe.
Lucky you.
Stay with the group, as the saying goes.
Keep ID with you at all times.
Up to date photos and addresses may be a good idea.
If you can keep a copy of your ID, Visa and ticket info good in case first set gets lost in all the excitement.
I don’t know about packing any needed medications. I have only traveled within the country for the last 40 years.
Somebody on here probably knows about that, if an issue.
“Russia arrests vacationing American for spying”
No patience for media nowadays.
He is a very odd guy. He was demoted to private and got a bad conduct discharge in 2008 because among other things being a computer administration he forged a recommendation for himself to get a Legion of Merit medal. Other stuff too like forging stuff to draw extra pay and forging orders to stay in Miramar and not return to Michigan.
Seems to be rather stupid and overly ambitious craving attention and recognition.
This story is just getting started lol
His brother is a twin, by the way.
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