An alleged CIA agent has been briefly detained by Russia after being accused of trying to recruit a Russian intelligence officer to work for the CIA. The man, who works as third political secretary at the US embassy in Moscow, was detained overnight before being handed over to US authorities.

Identified by the Federal Security Service as Ryan Fogle, a spokesperson for the FSB said that he was carrying a large amount of money and written instructions for the Russian agent he was trying to recruit. The spokesperson added that he was also carrying "special technical equipment" and the "means for changing one's appearance".

The news comes during a sensitive period between the two nations, following on the from the discovery that the Boston Marathon Bombings were conducted by Chechen terrorists, as well as the desire between the two countries to come to an agreement over solving the crisis in Syria.

Written and presented by Alfred Joyner