Russia 'arrests UK spies'

MOSCOW - Russian security services have arrested two spies working for British intelligence, the Interfax news agency said, citing the former head of Russia's state security service.

Russia accused Britain last Sunday of running a James Bond-style spying operation in Moscow using a receiver hidden in a fake rock to communicate secret information. It named four Embassy workers as intelligence officers running Russian agents.

Former FSB head Nikolai Kovalyov did not make clear whether the two people arrested were linked to the "fake rock" affair. It appeared likely, however, that they were Russians rather than British officials since diplomats have immunity from arrest.

"Two British spies have been arrested. Of course they are not silent, they are talking," Kovalyov told Russia's NTV television station in a programme that will be aired on Sunday night, Interfax reported.

A spokesman for the FSB said he could neither deny nor confirm the report, advising Reuters to watch the programme and listen to Kovalyov's comments.

In London, a Foreign Office spokesman said Britain was asking the Russian foreign ministry for information.

"We have not been notified but it is not clear whether this report is about British staff," he added.

Last Sunday's television programme said one Russian, who had been turned by British agents while abroad, had been arrested for treason.

It said Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) was also feeding funds to Non-Governmental Organisations in Russia, but did not explain why such funds should be donated covertly.

Britain generally does not comment on matters relating to the intelligence service.

The affair coincides with moves by President Vladimir Putin to clamp down on NGOs which Kremlin officials accuse of promoting Western political interests in Russia.

Putin, himself a former KGB spy, said on Wednesday he had not decided whether to expel the diplomats who were named.

- REUTERS