Spy suspect held in jail

The United States' Government's case against suspected spy Robert Hanssen is strong, a federal judge said as she ordered him to be remanded in custody.

Hanssen, who appeared at a hearing in Alexandria, Virginia, did not contest his confinement under an agreement forged with prosecutors.

Hanssen stood when US Magistrate Judge Theresa Buchanan asked if he understood he was entitled to contest detention but had waived that right.

"I do, Your Honour," he said.

A US official confirms law enforcement officials believe Hanssen may have alerted Moscow to a secret tunnel built under the Russian Embassy by American intelligence agencies for eavesdropping.

Buchanan said she could see no conditions for releasing Hanssen, accused of espionage, because he was both a flight risk and posed a threat to the safety of the community.

She noted that Hanssen, 56, was carrying his passport when he was arrested on February 18, and said the Government had presented ample evidence to support keeping him jailed while his case moves forward.

"I find the Government case extraordinarily strong," she told the hearing, which lasted only a few minutes.

Hanssen could get life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.

His lawyers and prosecutors agreed last week that Hanssen would be detained and the date of his preliminary hearing postponed to May 21 so that the defence could get an early look at some of the Government's evidence.

Assistant US Attorney Randy Bellows spoke briefly, telling Buchanan that Hanssen posed "an exceptionally grave danger to the US".