Accused of espionage: Russian businessman arrested at US request

Russian citizen Alexander Korshunov was detained at the airport of Naples (Italy) at the request of the United States. He is suspected of economic espionage. This publication writes "Vedomosti".

Фото: Depositphotos

Alexander Korshunov, business development director at the United Engine Corporation (UEC), a Russian company, was suspected of economic espionage while working as a UEC marketing and sales director. He held this post from 2009 to 2017 year.

There is no confirmation from Italian law enforcement agencies and the United States.

The Rostec company (UEC is a subsidiary of Rostec), commenting on the detention of Korshunov, said that the state corporation is using diplomatic channels to understand the situation and will seek to return the employee home. “We are sure that he was not involved in any illegal activities,” the Rostekh emphasized.

Photo: Facebook / Alexander Korshunov

The detention of Korshunov was commented by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He called the incident "unfair competition." Putin said that UEC, creating a new engine, has signed a contract with an Italian firm for consultations.

On the subject: From the search for Soviet spies to interrogation of criminals: the history of the use of a lie detector in the US

Now, according to the head of the Kremlin, the UEC top manager is charged with “stealing some secrets”. “Yes, we signed a contract with an Italian company for consultations. This is a global practice, open commercial work. Now, American friends claim that they stole something there, ”he said.

Photo: Facebook / Alexander Korshunov

Korshunov was detained while crossing the border at Naples airport in late August: he went there with his wife to relax. He is charged with embezzlement of intellectual property and documents of General Electric, which allegedly was planned to be used in the interests of the Russian PD-14 program.

The program provides for the creation of an aircraft engine that will be installed on the new Russian medium-range MC-21 aircraft. On 5 September, the first court session will be held in Italy, at which they will consider the extradition of Korshunov to the USA.

On the subject: The history of the spy: how Trump's ex-partner with Russian roots leaked CIA information about Russia

According to information on the UEC website, Korshunov is 57 years old. He graduated from the Moscow Power Engineering Institute and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the USSR. In 2013 – 2015, he studied at the magistracy of the Vienna University of Economics and Business, worked as the third secretary of the USSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the vice-consul of the Russian Consulate General in Turkey, and the second secretary of the Russian MFA. In 2017 – 2018, he served as vice president of the state-owned company VEB for aerospace programs. He speaks English, French, Turkish.

UEC (part of Rostec) is the largest engine holding company. His enterprises specialize in the design and manufacture of power plants for aviation, space and marine technology. In addition, the corporation's enterprises are involved in the production of products for the oil and gas industry (pumping units) and energy (turbines).

Read also on ForumDaily:

The history of the spy: how Trump's ex-partner with Russian roots leaked CIA information about Russia

Top secret: how an American handed over nuclear secrets to the USSR and did not pay for it

As in the USSR: Russian scientists have limited contacts with foreign colleagues

The Soviet Terminator from 'Very Strange Affairs' spoke about the 'evil Russians', the reasons for emigration and difficulties in Hollywood

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.