10 Alleged Russian Spies Arrested

After an FBI investigation spanning several years, ten people were taken into custody on Sunday across the northeastern United States and have been charged with conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the U.S. Attorney, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release.

According to the D.O.J., eight of the accused were involved in what it termed as "long-term, deep-cover assignments" for the Russian government. Two of the defendants were arrested for participating in the covert Russian operation. Nine of those picked up were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The defendants, some of whom may go by and assumed alias, include: "Richard Murphy" and "Cynthia Murphy" of Montclair, N.J., Vicky Plaez and "Juan Lazaro" of Yonkers, N.Y. Anna Chapman of New York City, "Michael Zottoli," "Patricia Mills," and Mikhail Smenko of Arlington, Va., and "Tracey Lee Ann Foley" and "Donald Howard Heathfield" of Boston, Ma.

"Christopher R. Mestos" remains at large, the D.O.J. said.

According to the criminal complaint, the defendants were instructed to become "Americanized," and "develop ties in policy making circles" in the U.S.

A message from Russian intelligence headquarters in Moscow to two of the defendants was intercepted by the U.S. government. It read:

"You were sent to USA for long-term service trip. Your education, bank accounts, car, house, etc. - all these serve one goal: fulfill your main mission, i.e to search and develop ties in policymaking circles in US and sent intels."

Charges against most of the defendants have been filed at U.S. District Court in New York. in Manhattan. Those arrested in Arlington have had charges filed in Alexandria, Va. The money laundering charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, while the conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government charge could lead to a maximum sentence of five years behind bars.