CIA agent intercepted (and released) in Moscow

[Syt]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22522494

CIA agent intercepted in Moscow - reports

An alleged CIA agent has been briefly detained in Moscow for allegedly trying to recruit a Russian intelligence officer, Russian media report.

He was held overnight before being released to US officials, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said.

Photos have emerged of the man, said to be an employee of the US embassy, being held face down on the ground.

The US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul, has been summoned to the Russian foreign ministry.

The man was reportedly arrested with a large sum of money, technical devices and written instructions for the agent he had tried to recruit.

Named as Ryan Fogle, he is said to be third political secretary at the US embassy. There was no comment from the embassy.

Russia and the US recently said they wished to step up security co-operation after the Boston Marathon bombing.

While it is a sensitive time for US-Russian relations because of the crisis in Syria, the FSB's claims to have unearthed a CIA agent are unlikely to have any long-term political consequence, the BBC's Steve Rosenberg reports from Moscow.

Wigs
FSB photos purporting to show Mr Fogle during and after his detention appeared on Russian online media, such as these published by broadcaster RT.

Wearing a blue checked shirt and a plain baseball cap, he is shown being held on the ground with his hands bound, then being escorted away.

Another photo shows him sitting at desk, his hat removed.

Possessions attributed to Mr Fogle are laid out on a table. They include a sum of money in 500-euro banknotes and two wigs, one of which he was apparently wearing at the time of his detention.

Also on the table are a compass, map, knife, dark glasses and small mobile phone.

"FSB counter-intelligence agents detained a CIA staff member who had been working under the cover of third political secretary of the US embassy in Moscow," the FSB said.

"At the moment of detention, special technical equipment was discovered, written instructions for the Russian citizen being recruited, as well as a large sum of money and means for altering appearance."

[AnchorClanker]

n00b.

[Malthus]

And I thought catch-and-release only applied to fly fishing.

[AnchorClanker]

And I thought catch-and-release only applied to fly fishing.

Oh no, lol.  It's part and parcel of this business.  This is the usual situation, the scandals happen when one side wants to really stick it to the other and gain some concessions in some other area. 

[Tonitrus]

But will we welcome him back as a hero to pose on magazine covers? 

[AnchorClanker]

But will we welcome him back as a hero to pose on magazine covers? 

I hope not - he needs to spend time weed-eating at The Farm until some post in Uruguay comes up.
I'd love to see the transcript of his debrief when he gets his happy ass home.  What a putz.

[The Minsky Moment]

Huh.  Wonder why he forgot his black cloak and shoe dagger?

[mongers]

Huh.  Wonder why he forgot his black cloak and shoe dagger?

Yeah, I wondered why he was carrying such archaic equipment; half expected him to have a mini-compass in the heel of his shoe, like the ones we had as kids. 

At least MI6 had a plastic rock.   

[CountDeMoney]

And I thought catch-and-release only applied to fly fishing.

Oh no, lol.  It's part and parcel of this business.  This is the usual situation, the scandals happen when one side wants to really stick it to the other and gain some concessions in some other area.

Anchorclanker's been traded by the Jordanians twice already.

[Ed Anger]

For a player to be named later and cash.