Paul Whelan at the Kremlin in Moscow in 2006. U.S. Marine Corps
NBC: Former CIA officers doubt American arrested in Russia was a spy
Russian intelligence services likely charged Paul Whelan as a spy to use him as a bargaining chip, say two former CIA officers.
The ex-Marine detained in Moscow on spying charges does not fit the blueprint of U.S. espionage in Russia, and is more likely a pawn in an effort to seek leverage over the U.S., intelligence and diplomatic veterans told NBC News Wednesday.
"Knowing what we know, if we had to make a bet, I would say this is (Russian president Vladimir) Putin seizing someone on a pretext," former acting CIA director John McLaughlin said on MSNBC's "Andrea Mitchell Reports."
"He may think this is a way to set up a spy swap."
Read more ....
WNU Editor: I concur. The Russians want a swap .... Russia’s Arrest of Paul Whelan Is Payback for Maria Butina, CIA Veterans Say (Daily Beast).
I don't mind this whole spying and swapping business, but I really hate picking up a civilian to swap for a spy. That is messed up. It puts Russia in the same league as North Korea.
ReplyDeleteAmerica should retaliate and pick up a connected oligarch or four.
Not a good way for Putinto make friends.
ReplyDeleteRussian spy accused of doing what? of course, then, get her out of here before she spills too much
ReplyDelete