Russia will hold detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan for another three months while authorities investigate his presence in the country.
Whelan was arrested in late December and accused of spying for the United States. Whelan, a security director for an auto parts supplier, was declared competent to stand trial this week.
The investigation into Whelan’s activities was extended until May 28, his defense attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov told Tass, Russia’s state-owned news outlet. It wasn’t clear from Tass who extended the investigation, but Whelan was detained by Russia’s Federal Security Service.
Zherebenkov said Moscow’s Lefortovsky District Court would consider extending Whelan’s detention while the investigation continues.
Last month, Russia rejected the theory that it is holding Whelan in order to bargain for a swap for Maria Butina. The U.S. is holding Butina, who has pleaded guilty to trying to influence U.S. politicians.
Britain warned Russia weeks ago against holding any U.S. citizens hostage in a fight over Butina.
