Espionage

Former CIA officers doubt American arrested in Russia was a spy

Two former CIA officers with decades of experience spying overseas told NBC News it is inconceivable to them that the former Marine was spying for the United States.

"We operate in Russia in the strictest, most careful way," said one of the former officers, who focused for many years on operations in Russia. "Just to meet someone requires weeks of planning."

In fact, he said, spying in the Russian police state is so risky that there are many Russian CIA assets whom the agency will only meet outside of the country.

He added, "We cannot justify using an American without diplomatic immunity, because if they get arrested, they are just trade bait."

Spies working under diplomatic cover simply get sent home if arrested, while those working without it can face decades in prison unless they are traded for a Russian spy in jail in the U.S.