You're reading: BBC: Paul Whelan – Former US marine alleges set-up in Russia spy case

BBC: Paul Whelan – Former US marine alleges set-up in Russia spy case

By BBC.

Published Sept. 17, 2019 at 5:49 pm

Paul Whelan, a former US Marine accused of spying and arrested in Russia stands inside a defendants' cage during a hearing at a court in Moscow on August 23, 2019.

Photo by AFP

Former US marine Paul Whelan, accused in Russia of espionage, has said he is not a spy and that he was set up by a Russian friend.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Whelan, who is also a citizen of the UK, Canada and Ireland, said a friend had planted a hard drive on him without his knowledge.