Man says his twin brother is not a spy

The American arrested in Russia on allegations of espionage has a twin in Newmarket hoping to get his brother home safely.

David Whelan said his brother, Paul, 48, an American from Novi, Mich., stopped communicating with his family after Dec. 28, when he was in Moscow for a friend’s wedding.

Russian news agency Interfax reported Thursday that Whelan has been formally charged with espionage, moving the case into Russia’s justice system and possibly deepening the diplomatic tensions with the United States.

David Whelan appeared on CBC and CNN earlier this week to discuss the arrest and speak about the kind of person his brother is, suggesting Paul was concerned about mundane details such as his parents slipping on the ice or his dog’s trip to the veterinarian, rather than international politics, prior to his trip East. “Paul’s a kind soul, he’s very generous, he’s notorious among my kids for his huge belly laugh,” he told CNN’s Inside Politics.

He added that Paul, who currently works in corporate security, had gone to Russia to help other Americans at the wedding navigate Moscow and its extensive metro system.

In a Twitter post by David, the Whelan family released a statement saying how they are deeply concerned for Paul’s safety and well-being. “His innocence is undoubted and we trust that his rights will be respected,” it says.