Russia says Israeli spy tried to obtain data of Russian-Arab military deals

Russia says Israeli spy tried to obtain data of Russian-Arab military deals

2011-05-20 22:04:19 GMT+7 (ICT)

MOSCOW (BNO NEWS) -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on Friday announced that the Israeli military attaché who was recently expelled over spying accusation was seeking data on the Russian-Arab military deals.

According to RIA Novosti, Israeli Embassy official Vadim Leiderman was trying to obtain information about the Russian military cooperation with Arab states and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

"Leiderman tried to obtain secret information from several Russian state officials about the prospects for bilateral military cooperation and Russia's aid to Arab and CIS states," the FSB said.

Leiderman was arrested on May 12 during a meeting with a Russian army officer at a Moscow café by FSB agents. He was attempting to receive state secrets from the official.

After being questioned by FSB, it was determined that the Israeli diplomat was seeking to obtain classified information about the prospects of bilateral military-technical cooperation from several Russian public servants.

The FSB ordered Leiderman to leave the country within the following 48 hours. He was also banned from re-entry the European country or he will be arrested. Leiderman's term in Moscow was to end in two months.

On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that Leiderman underwent a thorough investigation over the weekend by Israeli Defense officials who determined that the spying allegations were unfounded.

Israel has condemned the sale of weapons to its long time enemies Syria and Iran by Russia. In repeated occasions, the Jewish nation has urged Moscow to stop negotiating arms with them as it poses a significant threat to Israel.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-20