Courts: Pavel B., Suspected of Spying for Russia, Taken into Custody

Pezinok, March 15 (TASR) - Former Liptovsky Mikulas Military Academy functionary Pavel B. [name abbreviated due to legal reasons], suspected of longstanding cooperation with Russian intelligence, will be remanded in custody due to concerns that he might continue with criminal activities, a Specialised Criminal Court pre-trial judge decided on late Tuesday. TASR learnt the news from Special Prosecutor's Office prosecutor Michal Surek on Wednesday. The decision is not definitive, with the defendant appealing against it. Earlier this week, the police arrested Bohus G. of Kosice, Jozef M. of Vranov nad Toplou and Bohus M. of Ruzomberok for espionage on behalf of and corruption linked to the Russian Federation. Pavel B. and Bohus G. might face 4-13 years in jail. Both men have admitted their guilt. Pavel B., arrested in Operation Katyusha, was providing the Russian secret services with intel concerning the interests of NATO and the Slovak Armed Forces since 2013. He's revealed how much he's been paid for this activity. In a house raid, the police seized USB flash drives, computers with sensitive data, detailed notes on plans and meetings and documents. Bohus G. used to be a correspondent for pro-Russian website Hlavne Spravy, now shut down by the National Security Authority (NBU). He faces charges of espionage and bribery and has admitted to both crimes. mf/df