Belarus detains Japanese agent allegedly spying on military sites, Chinese projects
The man was held in the city of Gomel and had displayed interest in the ‘broadest spheres of interest’ in the country
Belarusian security forces have detained a Japanese intelligence agent alleged to have observed border areas and military installations of the ex-Soviet state and Russian ally, Belarusian media reported on Wednesday.
Media outlets said Belarusian state-owned TV channel Belarus 1 reported the arrest and said it would provide more details on Thursday.
Belarusian media said the detained Japanese national was allegedly involved in gathering intelligence on social and economic conditions in Belarus, the implementation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the situation along Belarus’s border with Ukraine.
The reports said he was filming military infrastructure.
Japan’s embassy in Belarus confirmed the detention of a Japanese man in his 50s on July 9 for what the authorities called a breach of local laws, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a regular Thursday press conference.
The man in custody had no health issues, Hayashi said citing the embassy staff, while declining to comment on the reason for his detention.
