An alleged CIA agent has been briefly detained in Moscow for allegedly trying to recruit a Russian intelligence officer, Russian media report.
The alleged agent was detained in Moscow
He was held overnight before being released to US officials, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said.
Photos have emerged of the man, said to be an employee of the US embassy, being held face down on the ground.
The US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul, has been summoned to the Russian foreign ministry.
The man was reportedly arrested with a large sum of money, technical devices and written instructions for the agent he had tried to recruit.
Named as Ryan Fogle, he is said to be third political secretary at the US embassy. There was no comment from the embassy.
FSB photos purporting to show Mr Fogle during and after his detention appeared on Russian online media, such as these published by broadcaster RT.
Russia and the US recently said they wished to step up security co-operation after the Boston Marathon bombing.
“FSB counter-intelligence agents detained a CIA staff member who had been working under the cover of third political secretary of the US embassy in Moscow,” the FSB said.
“At the moment of detention, special technical equipment was discovered, written instructions for the Russian citizen being recruited, as well as a large sum of money and means for altering appearance.”
BBC
