Russian security services have arrested a 55-year-old man accused of spying for New Zealand.
A report in the Moscow Times said the individual is alleged to have been gathering and sharing information that could be used against Russia.
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said he is a Russian citizen and proactively established contact with representatives of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.
The man, who has not been named, is being held in pre-trial detention on treason charges and could face life in prison.
He was arrested in Khabarovsk in Russia’s south-east. Video shot by the FSB and shown by Russian media shows the man being arrested on the street and home being searched.
The information hasn't been independently verified.
Chris Penk, Minister of New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred 1News to the SIS for comment.
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