Russian authorities have apprehended a South Korean individual in the eastern part of the country over suspicions of espionage.
Identified as Baek Won-soon by the Russian state-run TASS news agency, the man was reportedly captured in Vladivostok earlier this year before being moved to Moscow for further investigation at the close of last month. Baek's case has been labeled as "top secret," and he is currently being held in Lefortovo Prison. A court ruling on Monday extended his detention until June 15.
According to TASS, an unnamed law enforcement source stated that Baek allegedly shared information considered to be state secrets with foreign intelligence services. However, no additional details have been disclosed to the public regarding the accusations.
South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the detention of Baek and confirmed that their consulate has been offering assistance. However, they refrained from providing further information due to the ongoing investigation.
Reports from Yonhap news agency suggest that Baek, who is believed to be a missionary involved in aiding North Korean defectors and providing humanitarian aid, was taken into custody shortly after arriving in Vladivostok from China in January.
This incident marks the first instance of a South Korean being detained in Russia on spying charges.
In 2022, Russia designated South Korea as an "unfriendly" country due to its backing of Western sanctions against Moscow following its incursion into Ukraine. Furthermore, Russia has strengthened ties with North Korea, particularly after a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September of the previous year.
Accusations have surfaced against North Korea for supplying weapons to Russia for its operations in Ukraine, allegedly in exchange for technological expertise to advance Pyongyang's military capabilities.
Over the past year, Russia has detained several foreign nationals on various charges. Notably, American journalist Evan Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023 on charges of espionage and is also held in Lefortovo prison. Similarly, Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was detained for failure to register as a foreign agent and later accused of disseminating false information about the Russian military.
Both Gershkovich and Kurmasheva deny the charges brought against them. Espionage in Russia carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
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