Russia Detains Accused Undercover CIA Operative in Moscow [Update]
Russia's Federal Security Service has detained an American citizen who is being accused of trying to recruit a Russian intelligence officer to work for the CIA.
Ryan Fogle, who was working at the American Embassy, was also supposedly an undercover CIA operative, who, according to the Russians, was detained while carrying a great deal of money, and a letter filled with instructions for the Russian he was trying to flip to the CIA.
The U.S. Embassy has yet to comment on the situation.
The Russians claim that Fogle also was in possession of "special technical equipment" and the "means for changing one's appearance" (pictured below). He was detained Monday night and then handed over to U.S. officials Tuesday morning.
Update
9:15 PM: The New York Times is reporting that "Russia’s foreign ministry has summoned United States Ambassador Michael A. McFaul to appear on Wednesday to respond to the allegation."
Also, translations of the note that was being carried by Fogle, to be given to the Russian he wanted to work for the CIA, have begun to appear. The note offers $100,000 to the anonymous Russian “to discuss your experience, expertise and cooperation.” It also hints at even larger rewards if the spy answers “specific questions.”
The note also asks the would-be informant to open a Gmail account.
“This is a down-payment from someone who is very impressed with your professionalism and who would greatly appreciate your cooperation in the future,” the letter says. “Your security means a lot to us. This is why we chose this way of contacting you.”