Russian Special Services Arrest Romanian Diplomat Accused Of Espionage

The diplomat’s name is Gabriel Grecu. He works in the Romanian Embassy in Moscow as secretary of the political department, according to news website RIA Novosti, which cites the FSB (Russian Federal Security Service) press office.

„Romanian External Information Service officer Gabriel Grecu, working at the national embassy under cover as first secretary at the political department, was detained by the FSB as he attempted to obtain secret defense information from a Russian citizen on August 16,” said news agency Interfax, citing the FSB.

According to the FSB, cited by Interfax, Grecu was in possession of „spy gear,” which pointed to „hostile activity against Russia” and an investigation is underway.

The FSB also said the Romanian diplomat has been declared persona non grata and must leave the Russian Federation within two days.

Romania’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment.