Russian news agency TASS reported today, Saturday, that a diplomatic source stated the Russian embassy in Lebanon is in contact with Lebanese authorities to understand the circumstances of the detention of a Russian citizen and his wife at Beirut Airport. The source added that the embassy is awaiting permission for its staff to meet with the detained Russian citizens, but did not provide details about the reason for their arrest, according to the Arab News Agency.
Meanwhile, sources indicated that the General Security Agency detained the Russian citizen and his wife while they were leaving through Beirut Airport. The sources clarified that "information suggests that the Russian citizen admitted to being recruited by Israeli intelligence some time ago, and he received instructions to travel to Lebanon, being provided with maps related to places, gatherings, and facilities belonging to Hezbollah, and he was asked to visit those locations and photograph them if possible," according to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
Additionally, it was noted that the Russian citizen "also admitted that he had visited the southern suburbs multiple times and had been working to collect data to match it with prior information held by his handlers. During the investigation with his wife, she admitted to being aware of her husband's work and that she assists him in his tasks." It was emphasized that communication took place between the General Security and the Russian embassy in Beirut "to inform them about the nature of the arrest, before the case and investigation records were referred to military judiciary."
