A Wall Street Journal journalist from the United States has been arrested and charged with spying in Russia.

Evan Gershkovich, a seasoned Russian journalist, was detained in Yekaterinburg at the time of his arrest.

The Wall Street Journal expressed “deep concern” for his safety and categorically denied the allegations against him.

According to the Kremlin, the reporter was “caught red-handed.”

The FSB stated that it had “stopped illegal activities” and that the reporter was “acting on US orders” and “collecting state secrets.”

Hours later, the security service took him to Moscow’s Lefortovo district court for formal arrest. Later, he was seen being escorted out of the building before being driven away. His detention was ordered by the court until May 29.