Ten arrested in US on charges of spying for Russia

Ten people have been arrested in the United States for allegedly spying for the Russian government, the US Department of Justice has said. They have been charged with conspiracy to act as unlawful agents of a foreign government, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Eight of them were arrested on Sunday for allegedly carrying out "long-term, 'deep-cover' assignments" on US soil. Two others were arrested for allegedly participating in the same programme. An 11th suspect remained at large. Nine have also been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. In a statement, the justice department said the suspects had been arrested following an investigation lasting several years.