Russian woman arrested for allegedly spying on the US
Washington, July 17 (IBNS): A 29-year old Russian woman has been charged by the US Government with spying after she intruded into political groups.
Media reports in the US state that Maria Butina, the Russian lady, has developed close ties with the Republican party. Reports also said she has ties to a US gun lobby.
Reports said she was charged with attempts to act as an agent of the Russian Federation within the United States, without notifying the attorney general.
FBI Special Agent Kevin Helson in a court document said Butina was trying to “establish a ‘back channel’ communication for representatives of the Government of Russia.”
However, the charges against Butina aren't related to the Mueller probe which is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential elections.
It has also been alleged that Butina received orders from a high-level Kremlin official and worked accordingly.
However, Robert Driscoll, who is Butina's attorney said that the Russian was, "not an agent" and that she was just an international relations student who, "is seeking to use her degree to pursue a career in business."
Driscoll further added that the charges against his client were, "overblown" and that there was " no indication of Butina seeking to influence or undermine any specific policy or law or the United States."
He also said that Butina, "has been co-operating with various government entities for months" over these allegations levelled against her.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Butina, a resident of Washington, was detained by the police on Sunday and is set to have a hearing on Wednesday.
This news comes hours after US President Donald Trump met his Russian counterpart in Vladimir Putin and sided with the East European nation in the wake of claims of their alleged involvement in the presidential election in 2016.
Image: Maria Butina/Facebook
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