Russian authorities have arrested an American former paratrooper on drug trafficking charges. Russian state television aired footage of his appearance in court while in custody. The Russian judicial system announced that the detained American is named Michael Travis Lake (51 years old) and previously worked as a songwriter and musician in a Russian rock band. TV channel "Russia 24" showed video of him, while "REN" television displayed a photo of him handcuffed behind his back at the time of arrest in Moscow.
It remains unclear whether the defendant has legal representation. Reuters was unable to reach him for a comment while he is in Russian custody. The music band he was a member of did not respond to requests for comment. According to "REN" television, police found suspicious substances in Lake's apartment.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated, "We are aware of reports of the arrest of a U.S. citizen in Moscow recently," adding that when a U.S. citizen is detained abroad, the department aims to provide consular assistance as quickly as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular help. The spokesperson did not mention if U.S. officials have been able to communicate with Lake through the consulate. Russian news agency "Interfax" reported that if convicted, Lake could face up to 12 years in prison. When Lake first arrived in Moscow, he worked as an English teacher and assisted in translating songs for Russian music bands.
