American arrested in Russia as a spy is innocent, brother in Canada says

Paul Whelan's brother in Newmarket, Ont., says ex-marine was in Moscow to attend a wedding.

Paul Whelan, a U.S. citizen, was arrested on espionage charges in Moscow on Friday. His brother told CBC News on Tuesday the retired marine was visiting the country to attend a wedding. (Submitted by David Whelan)

Paul Whelan, a former U.S. marine arrested in Russia on espionage charges, was visiting Moscow over the holidays to attend a wedding when he suddenly disappeared, his brother said Tuesday.

Whelan, 48, who is head of global security for a Michigan-based auto parts supplier, was arrested on Friday. In announcing the arrest three days later, the Russian Federal Security Service said he was caught "during an espionage operation," but gave no details.

The Russian spying charges carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Paul's twin brother, David Whelan, who lives in Newmarket, Ont., told CBC News the allegations don't ring true to him.

"He has a background in law enforcement and is a marine and travels regularly ... he's not the sort of person who stumbles into a strange environment or makes poor choices that could cause him risks," David Whelan said.