WASHINGTON DC. Aug 7 (Interfax) - The Russian embassy in Washington DC has asked the U.S. Department of State for information about the detention of four Russian citizens by the FBI, an embassy representative told Interfax.
"The embassy keeps a wary eye on the situation surrounding the detention of Russian citizens by the FBI. Explanations have been requested from the Department of State. Information about the detainees' whereabouts has been asked for," the representative said.
Russian diplomats are trying to "establish direct contact with the detainees to make sure that their lawful rights are being observed," he said.
"We will give them consular assistance if necessary," the representative said.
The Russian consulate general in New York said on Monday that the FBI detained four Russian citizens in early August on counts of money laundering and fraud. One of the Russians "was apprehended in Boston and transferred to New York City, while two are being held in Los Angeles, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We are working to establish the whereabouts of the fourth person," the consulate said.
Later on Monday consulate press secretary Alexei Topolsky said they had asked the FBI for consular access to the detained Russian citizens.