A man who said he is the brother of an American arrested in Moscow on espionage charges posted on Tuesday a statement from the family protesting his innocence.
"We have read reports of the arrest in Moscow of Paul Whelan, our son and brother," said the statement posted on Twitter by David Whelan, who said he is the brother of Paul.
"Paul is a retired Marine and was visiting Moscow to attend a wedding," it continued, adding that he stopped being in communication with his family on December 28, "which was very much out of character for him even when he was traveling."
The FSB domestic security service said the American was arrested on Friday "while carrying out an act of espionage."
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