American accused of spying in Russia

An American citizen has been charged with spying in Russia, his lawyer said.

The Russian authorities have brought espionage charges against Paul Whelan, a former Marine who is the head of global security for an auto parts maker. If convicted, Mr. Whelan faces up to 20 years in prison.

Why Russia: Mr. Whelan’s family said he was in Russia to attend the wedding of a friend. A Russian news agency reported that he was accused of trying to recruit a Russian citizen to obtain classified information.

Possible exchange: There has been widespread speculation that Russia seized Mr. Whelan to exchange him for Maria Butina, a Russian who pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to conspiring to act as a foreign agent and influence N.R.A. officials and prominent Republicans.