US Condemns Detention of Former Consulate Employee In Russia

A former employee of the US Consulate in Vladivostok, Russia named Robert Shonov has been arrested and charged with conspiracy.
Shonov had worked for the US Consulate for over 25 years and was recently working for a contractor providing services to the US Embassy in Moscow.
Shonov was detained in Vladivostok and transported to Moscow's high-security Lefortovo Prison, which is known for holding prisoners in isolation.
The US State Department has condemned Shonov's arrest and called the charges against him "wholly without merit."
The US has no ability to communicate with or visit Shonov while he is held in Lefortovo Prison.