Current:Home > Contact-usU.S. businessman serving sentence for bribery in Russia now arrested for "espionage"-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
U.S. businessman serving sentence for bribery in Russia now arrested for "espionage"
View Date:2024-12-23 23:49:05
Washington — A U.S. citizen who was already serving a prison sentence in Russia on a bribery conviction has now been arrested on suspicion of "espionage," Russian state media outlets reported Thursday.
Gene Spector, a businessman who was born and raised in Russia before moving to the U.S. and becoming a citizen, was arrested on the order of a court in Moscow, Tass reported.
No other details about the charges were available. A hearing was held in secret because the evidence is classified, according to Interfax.
In 2021, Spector pleaded guilty to mediating a bribe for an aide to a Russian deputy prime minister while he was chairman of the board of the Medpolimerprom group of companies in Russia. The bribe involved paying for the aide to take vacations to Thailand and the Dominican Republic, according to media reports from the time. He was sentenced to four years in prison.
Spector was retried on a technicality and received a new sentence of three and a half years behind bars in September 2022.
His arrest comes as tensions between the U.S. and Russia are at an all-time high over the war in Ukraine, and as the U.S. seeks the release of two other Americans imprisoned in Russia.
The U.S. considers Paul Whelan, who is serving a 16-year prison sentence, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in March on unsubstantiated espionage charges, to be "wrongfully detained" and has demanded their release.
The U.S. has not said it considers Spector to be wrongfully detained.
- In:
- Russia
Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hausofcait
TwitterveryGood! (9)
Related
- Drone footage captures scope of damage, destruction from deadly Louisville explosion
- Northern California battered by blizzard, Sierra Nevada residents dig out: See photos
- Prince William visits synagogue after bailing on event as Kate and King Charles face health problems
- What to know about viewing and recording the solar eclipse with your cellphone camera
- Why Suits' Gabriel Macht Needed Time Away From Harvey Specter After Finale
- 'Dune: Part Two' ending explained: Atreides' revenge is harrowing warning (spoilers ahead)
- Horoscopes Today, March 2, 2024
- Kentucky House passes legislation aimed at curbing unruliness on school buses
- College football top five gets overhaul as Georgia, Miami both tumble in US LBM Coaches Poll
- Michigan football helped make 'Ravens defense' hot commodity. It's spreading elsewhere.
Ranking
- Chris Evans Shares Thoughts on Starting a Family With Wife Alba Baptista
- The 18 Best High-Waisted Bikinis To Make You Feel Confident and Chic- Amazon, SKIMS, Target & More
- Caitlin Clark breaks Pete Maravich's all-time scoring record as Iowa beats Ohio State
- Masked shooters kill 4 people and injure 3 at an outdoor party in California, police say
- Oregon's Dan Lanning, Indiana's Curt Cignetti pocket big bonuses after Week 11 wins
- 2 races, including crowded chief justice campaign, could push Arkansas court further to the right
- Millions of Americans are family caregivers. A nationwide support group aims to help them
- Here are the top reactions to Caitlin Clark becoming the NCAA's most prolific scorer
Recommendation
-
New Pentagon report on UFOs includes hundreds of new incidents but no evidence of aliens
-
Karol G says she's doing 'very well' after her plane reportedly made an emergency landing
-
NASCAR Las Vegas race March 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Pennzoil 400
-
Writer for conservative media outlet surrenders to face Capitol riot charges
-
Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures
-
Lionel Messi makes 2024 goals clear: Inter Miami is chasing MLS Cup
-
Justin Timberlake Shares Rare Family Photos in Sweet 42nd Birthday Tribute to Jessica Biel
-
Masked shooters kill 4 people and injure 3 at an outdoor party in California, police say