Moscow accuses U.S. embassy diplomats of theft

SANAA, Oct. 09 (YPA) – Russia has demanded the United States to lift the diplomatic immunity of 3 employees of its embassy in Moscow, after their involvement in a theft crime.

In a statement published on Friday by Russia’s Interfax news agency, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it had sent to the United States Embassy a note requesting the lifting of diplomatic immunity for these employees, who have been suspected of stealing personal purposes belonging to a Russian citizen.

This request came against the background of an official in the law enforcement agencies confirming to major Russian media, that on September 18 these three employees stole a backpack from a Russian citizen in a Moscow bar.

The official pointed out that the investigators obtained a videotape documenting the moment the three suspects entered the embassy with the stolen bag.

The agency, citing the ministry, said that the United States’ refusal to lift their diplomatic immunity would mean that the three employees, who face up to 5 years in prison, would have to leave Russia immediately.

AA