Russia detains South Korean man on espionage charges

According to local media reports, a South Korean man has been arrested in Russia on suspicion of espionage.

South Korean officials have confirmed the arrest and stated that their diplomats are actively negotiating for his release.

Baek Won-soon was detained in Vladivostok, a city in the far-eastern region of Russia, “at the beginning of the year,” as reported by the state agency Tass. Currently, he is being held in a Moscow prison.

He is believed to be the first South Korean individual detained on espionage charges in Russia in decades.

Details about his case remain scant, with South Korea’s foreign ministry acknowledging that the matter is under investigation and refraining from commenting further. However, efforts are being made to provide consular assistance to Baek.

According to Tass, an unnamed official cited in their report alleged that Baek had provided information considered as state secrets to foreign intelligence services.