The diplomat was caught by Russian counterintelligence whereas attempting to obtain restricted data
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) detained the Japanese consul in Vladivostok on Monday. Motoki Tatsunori confessed to attempting to buy restricted data from his contact, and has been ordered to go away the nation.
“The Japanese diplomat was detained on suspicion of receiving, for a monetary reward, restricted information on Russia’s cooperation with another country in the Asia-Pacific region, and the impact of Western sanctions on the economic situation in the Primorye region,” the FSB stated in an announcement. It added that the diplomat has been declared “persona non grata” for actions which might be “incompatible with the status of a consular official and detrimental to Russia’s security interests.”
The service has launched footage of Tatsunori assembly his contact at a restaurant, in addition to the diplomat’s interrogation after he was detained. The consul acknowledged he had breached Russian legislation along with his actions.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has additionally summoned Japan’s minister-counsellor over the incident, notifying the mission that Tatsunori has been declared persona non grata and should depart the nation inside 48 hours.
“A decisive protest has been expressed to the Japanese side over the actions of the General Consulate official and an appropriate note has been delivered,” the ministry stated in a quick assertion.