Israeli accused of spying

AN ISRAELI military attache to Moscow, expelled from Russia last week, was carrying secret information when he was detained, Russia's Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

Vadim Leiderman was apprehended in Moscow on 12 May, 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.

Israel's military, however, has rejected allegations that Leiderman was a spy, saying in a statement Wednesday that the officer underwent a "thorough investigation" after he returned.

Gad Shimron, an intelligence expert said the odds of Leiderman being a spy are "small."