US detains ‘Russian secret agents’
Authorities charge 10 alleged spies accused of acting as an agent for a foreign government.
US authorities have arrested 10 alleged Russian spies accused of serving as undercover secret agents with the goal of penetrating government policymaking circles.
The arrests came after a secret investigation over several years that used extensive surveillance of communications and phone taps, including putting listening devices into the homes of the accused.
The suspects, who were charged in court with conspiracy to act as an agent for a foreign government, were accused of being trained and tasked by Russia to gather intelligence about topics ranging from nuclear weapons, the CIA, congress and positions on Iran.
Al Jazeera’s Rob Reynolds reports from Washington DC.