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Baek Gained-soon was detained in Vladivostok earlier this 12 months – the newest international nationwide to be imprisoned in Russia.
Russia has detained a South Korean within the east of the nation, accusing him of espionage.
Citing officers, the Russian state-run TASS information company recognized the person as Baek Gained-soon and stated he was detained within the metropolis of Vladivostok “in the beginning of the 12 months” earlier than being transferred to Moscow for “investigative motion.” Was taken in. On the finish of final month.
Bak, whose case is classed as “prime secret”, is being held in Lefortovo jail, TASS stated, the place a court docket on Monday ordered to increase his detention till June 15.
The company cited an unnamed legislation enforcement official as saying that Bach had given “info regarding state secrets and techniques to international intelligence companies.” No additional particulars had been made public.
South Korea's International Ministry stated in an announcement that its consulate had been offering help because it discovered that Baek had been detained. It declined to offer additional particulars on the case, citing the continued investigation.
The Korean service of Yonhap information company stated Baek was a missionary concerned in rescuing North Korean defectors and offering humanitarian assist. The company stated he was detained days after arriving in Vladivostok by land from China in January.
The incident is the primary time a South Korean has been detained in Russia on spying fees.
Russia branded South Korea an “unfriendly” nation in 2022 for supporting Western sanctions in opposition to Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has additionally deepened ties with North Korea following chief Kim Jong Un's go to to Russia final September and assembly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The US and others have accused North Korea of offering weapons to Russia to be used within the struggle in Ukraine in change for technical info to advance Pyongyang's army modernization program.
Each international locations have denied the allegations.
Over the previous 12 months, Russia has detained a number of international nationals and accused them of committing varied crimes.
American journalist Ivan Gershkovich was detained in March 2023 on alleged espionage fees and can be being held in Lefortovo jail, which is infamous for its harsh circumstances and maintaining detainees in near-isolation. His detention has been prolonged till the top of March and court docket proceedings will happen behind closed doorways.
In October, Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was detained for failing to register as a international agent and later charged with spreading “false info” concerning the Russian army. His custody has been prolonged until April.
In Russia, there’s a most punishment of 20 years in jail for espionage.
Each Gershkovich and Kurmasheva deny the allegations in opposition to them.