Belarus detained a Japanese suspected of espionage, reports "Reuters". He is said to have monitored border areas and military facilities in the former Soviet state, which is an ally of Russia, News.bg quoted.
Belarusian state TV channel "Belarus 1" reported the arrest and said it would provide more details later today.
According to information from the Belarusian media, it is assumed that the detained Japanese citizen participated in the collection of intelligence information about the socio-economic conditions in Belarus, for the implementation of the Chinese initiative "One Belt, One Road". and about the situation on the border with Ukraine.
He is said to have photographed military infrastructure.
The Embassy of Japan in Belarus confirmed the detention of a Japanese man in his 50s on July 9 for violating local laws, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi explained at a regular press conference.
The detained man had no health problems, Hayashi added, but declined to comment on the reason for the detention.
According to Belarusian television, the man was detained in the southeastern city of Gomel and showed interest in the "widest spheres" in the country.
It is stated that the man previously taught Japanese at a university in the city – his wife's hometown – and has organized an exhibition related to Japanese culture and traditions.
According to preliminary information, he admitted that his activities could harm the Belarusian state.
Since 1994, Belarus has been ruled by President Alexander Lukashenko, one of Russia's closest allies, who allowed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to use Belarusian territory for the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The media reports that this is the first case of a Japanese citizen being involved in intelligence activities in Belarus.
Japan has imposed sanctions on Belarusian organizations, including an asset freeze and export ban, as part of its efforts to reduce support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In June, a German national was convicted of terrorism and mercenary activities in Belarus and sentenced to death, but was later released as part of a major prisoner swap between Russia, Belarus, the United States and other countries.