In a plot twist, the alleged American spy arrested in Russia is also a British citizen

(Image credit: Reuters)

Paul Whelan, the former U.S. Marine and Michigan auto parts executive arrested in Moscow last week on espionage charges, is actually a dual U.S.-British citizen, The Guardian reported Thursday evening. "Our staff have requested consular access to a British man detained in Russia after receiving a request for assistance from him," the U.K. Foreign Office said in a statement. Whelan's family said the 48-year-old was in Russia for the wedding of a fellow ex-Marine, but Russia accuses him of "carrying out an act of espionage," and he reportedly faces up to 20 years in prison.

Whelan's lawyer and U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman both visited Whelan at Lefortovo prison on Wednesday. The lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenkov, said Whelan has applied for release on bail and is in a "very hopeful" mood. Hunstman said he's complained to Russian officials about the delay in granting Whelan consular access. Russia's Rosbalt news agency said Whelan was arrested soon after taking possession of a USB drive containing a classified list of names.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.