A 23-year-old man was arrested in Portugal for stealing NATO military equipment from a hotel and trying to sell the data to the Russian embassy in Lisbon.
This was reported by the Portuguese Attorney General's Office, CNN Portugal reports.
The incident occurred during an international military conference held at a naval base near Lisbon. According to prosecutors, the suspect specifically checked into a hotel where military participants were staying.
There, he stole a laptop and an iPad belonging to NATO and the Swedish military. Believing that the devices contained classified information, the man attempted to access and copy the files.
After that, he went to the Russian embassy, where, according to investigators, he planned to sell the data. However, the attempt failed.
During the investigation, the detainee stated the alleged existence of a spy network, of which he was a member along with other individuals, including a law enforcement officer. Investigators determined that this version was fabricated and was intended to divert attention from him.
The man is charged with attempted espionage, several episodes of theft, use of someone else's documents, false testimony, slander, and other crimes. He is in custody, and there are two other suspects in the case.