Moscow expels Israeli 'spy'

An Israeli military attache to Moscow who was expelled from the country was carrying secret information when he was detained, Russia’s Foreign Ministry says.

Vadim Leiderman was apprehended in Moscow on May 12, caught red-handed receiving classified information from a Russian citizen, the statement said.

Leiderman was declared persona non grata and given 48 hours to leave the country, which he did, the statement said.

Israel’s military has rejected allegations reported in the Israeli media that Leiderman was a spy.

The military said in a statement that the officer underwent a “thorough investigation” after he returned.

Israel’s Channel 2 TV reported he was taken away by Russian agents during dinner. Other media reported Leiderman was having coffee with a friend before being pulled away by security agents.