Russia arrests Khabarovsk man for treason, spying for NZ

Russian authorities announced on Monday, July 27, 2026, the arrest of a 55-year-old man in the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk on charges of treason, alleging he spied for New Zealand's intelligence service. The Federal Security Service (FSB) claims the man voluntarily contacted New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and passed on information related to Russia's military and its military-technical cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the FSB, the suspect communicated with foreign intelligence via email and messaging applications. The agency released video footage showing the man's detention on a city street and subsequent searches of his apartment. The video displayed items including bundles of U.S. dollars and a collection of tank models, some bearing Japanese flags. A smartphone shown in the footage featured wallpapers of British and American flags. The FSB stated the man acted for selfish motives and has been charged under Article 275 of Russia's Criminal Code, which carries a potential life sentence.

The arrest marks a rare public accusation by Moscow against New Zealand, a nation of roughly five million people. Russian officials...