The family of US citizen Paul Whelan, who has been recently detained in Moscow during an act of espionage, believes in his innocence and is concerned about his safety, the CNN broadcaster reported, citing Whelan's twin brother.
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 01st January, 2019) The family of US citizen Paul Whelan, who has been recently detained in Moscow during an act of espionage, believes in his innocence and is concerned about his safety, the CNN broadcaster reported, citing Whelan's twin brother.Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers took Whelan into custody in the Russian capital during a spying operation on December 28, according to an FSB statement. The investigation is ongoing as part of a criminal case. The US Department of State was formally notified about Whelan's detention.
"We are deeply concerned for his safety and well-being. His innocence is undoubted and we trust that his rights will be respected," David Whelan said in a statement, obtained by the broadcaster.
According to David Whelan, his brother departed for Moscow on December 22 to attend a wedding ceremony for his fellow ex-Marine and a Russian woman. When Whelan didn't show up at the wedding on Friday, his friend unsuccessfully tried to contact him. The family learnt about Whelan's detention from media reports, the twin brother added.
Paul Whelan, 48, is director of global security for Michigan-based automotive components supplier BorgWarner. According to the broadcaster, Whelan was born in Canada, but lives in Michigan.
Whelan, a former Marine, served several tours with the US Marine Corps in Iraq, his brother said.
