American businessman Gene Spector arrested for 'espionage' in Russia

American journalist Evan Gershkovich has been in Russian custody since March. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

This was announced on CNN by White House spokesman John Kirby. the administration was still collecting information on the case and did not comment.

This comes as the US is seeking the release of two other US citizens who are currently imprisoned in Russia.

Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich has been in detention since March on unsubstantiated espionage charges.

British-American Paul Whelan is serving a 16-year prison sentence in 2020 after being arrested in Moscow on suspicion of espionage in 2018.

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Mr. Whelan, a former US Marine, is being held in a remote POW camp in Russia.

On Wednesday, he spoke on the phone with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken , who told him «Keep the faith and we're doing our best to get you home as soon as possible,» a source told CNN.