Paul Whelan was in Moscow for friend’s wedding when he was held for spying, says brotherUS man detained in Russia is former marine, says familyThe American man who was detained in Russia on accusations of being a spy is a retired marine who was visiting Moscow to attend a wedding, according to his family. 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. 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. David Whelan said his brother had previously been to Russia as a visitor and for his work for Kelly Services, a management consultancy. The family said they had learn of Whelan’s arrest on Monday after reading the news reports.

Source: The Guardian January 01, 2019 13:29 UTC