He was probably baited…
According to the article’s "details’ from Russian media, it could just have been a set-up too.
a Russian news outlet claimed Whelan was arrested just minutes after receiving a USB drive that contained the names of people employed at a top secret state organisation.
Citing a security service source, Rosbalt news agency said the 48-year-old American received the USB drive from a Russian citizen who visited him in his room at the Metropol hotel in Moscow on Friday. Officers from the FSB intelligence agency then reportedly burst into the room and arrested Whelan. The information could not be independently verified by the Guardian. Rosbalt did not say what had happened to the Russian citizen.
1 Like
This whole thing seems weird. The US response hasn’t even been to deny it, but instead to wait to hear the charges. On the other side, the Russians haven’t been very forthcoming either. This runs counter to the way these things have been historically handled. Also, as mentioned by others, his background is really murky. His brother, who seems to be the primary source for all the articles, doesn’t even seem to know much about what he does.
A couple of possibilities, 1) he really could be a spy. This was my initial thought–the way everyone is so cagey about this, it seems really possible.This would not preclude him being set up by the Russians in an opportunity to trade for Butina. 2) As mentioned above, this could be all set up by both the Trumpers, Whelan and the Russians to get Butina out of there.
2 Likes
It could also be like how Josh Marshall (I think?) described the CIA regarding the Kennedy assassination. They were very cagey about the assassination because, according to Josh’s conjecture, they weren’t actually sure if they were involved. They had been meddling in so many things and supporting so many bad actors, it was possible that they had contributed in pushing Oswald to act.
Similarly, it could be the Trump Admin is so inept that they have no idea if Whelan is “their man” or not. But there may not even be that much to it. They could be just so awful that they didn’t bother learning the procedures in place for when this sort of thing happens and they are stuck winging it now as consequence.
2 Likes
A USB drive full of Hillary’s emails?