The American man who was detained in Russia on accusations of being a spy is actually a retired marine who was visiting Moscow to attend a wedding, according to his family.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the family of Paul Whelan said the last time anyone had contact with him was on Dec. 28, the night before the wedding he was due to attend.
On Monday, Russia’s domestic security service announced that it had arrested an American who was “carrying out an act of espionage.” A statement in Russian did not provide further details about the individual who was detained or information about the alleged spying, but his name appeared to translate as Paul Whelan.
The US state department declined to comment on whether the detained individual was a former marine, and is seeking access to the individual.
“Due to privacy considerations, we have no additional information to provide at this time,” the department said.
In an email to the Guardian, Whelan’s twin brother, David, said Whelan was attending the wedding of a fellow former marine, who was marrying a Russian woman. Whelan’s family also said he had been to Russia “numerous times,” and was currently working on a corporate security team for Borg Warner.
It is not clear whether any US officials have seen Whelan since his arrest. The family has been in contact with their congressional representatives, the US embassy and the state department.
By: Maytinee Kramer
