Russia is warning citizens traveling abroad that U.S. authorities are on the hunt for Russians around the world who may have violated U.S. laws.
In a May 22 statement, Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Washington of kidnapping Russians, citing the case of Vladimir Drinkman, who was extradited to the United States from the Netherlands this year.
"By believing that it is allowed to do all it wants, Washington goes as far as kidnapping our citizens," it said, adding that the United States is "ignoring the norms of international laws" and "twisting the arms" of nations where it has extradition treaties.
Drinkman has pleaded not guilty to accusations that he conspired to install "sniffers" to comb through computer networks of financial companies and retailers around the world.
"The threat of detention or arrest on the warrant of [U.S.] law enforcement bodies...persists. It is quite real," the ministry said, urging Russians "to weigh carefully all the risks while they plan trips abroad."
