Two American citizens, including a military officer, were arrested in Russia

Moscow: Russian officials have said that two American citizens, including a serving member of the US military, have been arrested in various criminal cases.

According to the report of the news agency Reuters, the statement issued by the regional office of the Russian Ministry of Interior said that the American military officer was arrested on charges of theft in the eastern region of Vladivostok and was indicted on Monday.

“As far as we know, this is a typical crime incident,” the statement said.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said there was no political involvement in the case and no allegations of espionage.

The Russian news agency said that the American soldier was identified in the court as Gordon Black and he will be detained until July 2. On the other hand, the American military said that it has been informed of the officer’s arrest, but did not reveal his identity. .

A US military official said on condition of anonymity that the soldier is of South Korean origin.

The Russian Interior Ministry in Vladivostok said the 32-year-old woman had filed a complaint against the 34-year-old suspect after the two first met in South Korea, where the US soldier came to meet them.

The statement said the two had a heated exchange and later filed a police report that US officials were stealing their money, after which they were arrested at a local hotel and given a return ticket. Had bought.

A Moscow court said the American citizen, identified as William Russell Nikum, is on judicial remand and will be detained for 10 days.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow said it was aware of reports of its citizen’s arrest and that a consular access officer was working to cooperate, but could not comment for privacy reasons.

It should be noted that cases involving American citizens in Russia have gained diplomatic prominence in recent years, including the drug case involving basketball star Brittany Greiner, who was released in a prisoner exchange last year. was

Russian authorities have also charged Wall Street Journal reporter Ivan Gershkovich with espionage, a charge denied by the journalist and his organization.