The suspect, born in 1971 and a Russian national, “initiated contact with representatives of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service” (NZSIS) and provided them with “data that could be used to the detriment of the security of the Russian Federation,” according to the official statement.

In a video released later, an FSB officer explained that “New Zealand intelligence was seeking to gather information on Russia’s military and military-technical cooperation with countries in Asia and the Pacific.”

The individual is currently in custody while being investigated for high treason.

During a search of his home, numerous bundles of banknotes were discovered, totaling an estimated $100,000.

The NZSIS is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes Australia, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

jdt/arm/mem/gfa