Russia arrests Japanese consul in Vladivostok on espionage charges... Japanese government protests

Suspected of Obtaining Confidential Information on Russia-Asia Pacific Cooperation
Russian Foreign Ministry Declares Diplomat 'Persona Non Grata'
Japan: "Russia's Intimidating Investigation... Violation of Vienna Convention"

Embassy of Japan in Russia

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reportedly arrested Tatsunori Motoki, the Japanese consul stationed in Vladivostok, on espionage charges, according to TASS and AFP on the 26th (local time).

According to the FSB, the diplomat is suspected of obtaining confidential information regarding cooperation between Russia and Asia-Pacific countries.

He was also investigated for collecting information on the impact of Western sanctions on the Russian economy and was found to have offered bribes for this purpose. The FSB stated that the diplomat admitted to violating Russian law.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the diplomat persona non grata and ordered him to leave Russia within 48 hours. At the same time, they summoned the Japanese ambassador in Moscow to strongly protest.

On the other hand, the Japanese government denied any illegal acts by the diplomat and protested against Russia. According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Takeo Mori summoned Russian Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Galuzin to the ministry on the 27th, expressing strong regret that the forced detention and intimidating investigation of the Japanese diplomat by Russia violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Deputy Minister Mori also raised his voice, stating that the diplomat was performing routine official duties and strongly protested Russia’s declaration of the diplomat as persona non grata and expulsion as an unbelievable act.

Mori demanded an official apology from Russia and measures to prevent recurrence from Ambassador Galuzin.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has had diplomatic friction with Japan and Western countries that imposed sanctions. In April, Russia expelled eight Japanese diplomats, accusing the Japanese government of hostility toward Russia.

Meanwhile, Japan recently proposed at the United Nations General Assembly the removal of Russia from the UN Security Council’s permanent membership, aiming for its own permanent seat.