Russia arrests South Korean for suspected espionage in east

Baek Won-soon was arrested in Vladivostok earlier this year, the most recent foreign individual to be incarcerated in Russia

Russia has arrested a South Korean citizen in its eastern region on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities. According to reports from the Russian state-owned TASS news agency, the individual, identified as Baek Won-soon, was apprehended in Vladivostok earlier this year and subsequently moved to Moscow for further investigative procedures at the end of the previous month.  

Baek is currently being held in Lefortovo Prison under strict confidentiality, with his detention recently extended until mid-June following a court ruling. According to an unnamed law enforcement official cited by TASS, Baek is accused of divulging classified information deemed state secrets to foreign intelligence agencies. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its consulate’s involvement in supporting Baek since his detention, refraining from disclosing further details due to the ongoing inquiry. 

Yonhap news agency’s Korean service reported that Baek, a missionary aiding North Korean defectors and providing humanitarian aid, was detained shortly after his arrival in Vladivostok from China in January. This incident represents the first instance of a South Korean national being arrested in Russia on espionage charges.  

Tensions between Russia and South Korea escalated in 2022 when Russia categorized South Korea as an “unfriendly” nation due to its alignment with Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its incursion into Ukraine. Moreover, Russia has strengthened its ties with North Korea, with leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia in September, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. 

Accusations have been made by the United States and others, alleging North Korea’s provision of weaponry to Russia for its military actions in Ukraine in exchange for technological advancements to enhance Pyongyang’s armed forces, claims that both countries have refuted. Russia has detained several foreign individuals over the past year on various charges, including American journalist Evan Gershkovich, held on espionage charges, and Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, detained for failure to register as a foreign agent and disseminating purportedly false information about the Russian military.  

Both detainees are being held in Lefortovo Prison, known for its severe conditions and stringent isolation measures, with their detention periods extended through court decisions, albeit held in closed-door sessions. The offence of espionage in Russia carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, with Gershkovich and Kurmasheva maintaining their innocence against the allegations brought against them. 

Source: Newsroom