Russia has said that the Kremlin had nothing to do with a network alleged by the United States to be smuggling military technology to Moscow.
The US justice department said on Wednesday that it had broken up an elaborate network aimed at illegally acquiring US-made microelectronic components for Russian military and spy agencies. It charged 11 people with taking part. The Russian foreign ministry expressed surprise at the allegations.
The situation had caused deep concern in Russia, whose relations with its former Cold War enemy are difficult despite President Barack Obama’s call for a new start.
Authorities were questioning the Russians who were among the accused, a spokesman said. – (Reuters)