Baek Won-soon was detained in Vladivostok earlier this yr, changing into the most recent foreigner to be imprisoned in Russia.
Russia has detained a South Korean nationwide on suspicion of spying within the japanese a part of the nation.
The case has been labeled as “high secret” and Baek is being held in Lefortovo jail, with a courtroom on Monday ordering his detention to be prolonged till June 15, TASS stated.
Citing nameless regulation enforcement officers, the company stated Baek had handed “data that constitutes state secrets and techniques” “to international intelligence businesses.” No additional particulars have been launched.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry stated in a press release that its consulate has been offering help since Baek’s arrest was found. He declined to offer additional particulars on the matter, citing the continuing investigation.
Yonhap News Korea News Agency reported that Baek was a missionary and was concerned in rescuing North Korean defectors and offering humanitarian assist. He was detained days after arriving in Vladivostok by land from China in January, authorities added.
This incident marks the primary time a Korean nationwide has been detained in Russia on suspicion of espionage.
Russia labeled South Korea an “unfriendly” nation in 2022 for supporting Western sanctions in opposition to Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has additionally deepened its ties with North Korea since Kim Jong Un, the chief of the Workers’ Party of Korea, visited Russia final September and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The United States and different international locations have accused North Korea of offering weapons to Russia to be used within the Ukraine struggle in trade for technological know-how to advance navy modernization plans.
Both international locations deny the allegations.
Russia has detained a number of international nationals over the previous yr, accusing them of committing varied crimes.
American journalist Evan Gershkovic was detained on suspicion of espionage in March 2023 and can be being held in Lefortovo Prison, which has harsh situations and virtually full isolation for detainees. It is legendary for His detention was prolonged till the tip of March, and courtroom classes had been held behind closed doorways.
In October, Russian-American journalist Ars Kurmasheva was detained for failing to register as a international agent and later charged with spreading “false data” concerning the Russian navy. Her detention was prolonged till April.
In Russia, espionage is punishable by as much as 20 years in jail.
Both Mr. Gershković and Mr. Kurumasheva deny the fees.