Russia's FSB: Archaeologist Butyagin Freed by Poland in Prisoner Exchange
Details of the Prisoner Exchange and Background
Release of Alexander Butyagin
MOSCOW, April 28 (Reuters) - Russia's Federal Security Service said on Tuesday that Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin had been released by Poland as part of a prisoner swap, state news agency TASS reported.
Arrest and Extradition Attempt
Butyagin was arrested in Poland in December last year and had been due to be extradited to Ukraine, which accused him of conducting unauthorised excavations and plundering historical artefacts in Crimea. Russia had expressed outrage over his arrest and demanded his release.
Other Individuals Involved in the Exchange
Russian Woman Released
The FSB said a Russian woman was also released. It said she was the wife of a Russian soldier serving with Moscow's forces in Transdniestria, a breakaway region of Moldova.
Moldovan Spies Exchanged
It said the two Russians were exchanged for two Moldovan spies who arrived in Russia last year and were detained by Russian security agencies.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Reuters, Writing by Anna Peverieri; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
