Qualcomm Inc. field technician Richard Bliss, who had been detained in Rostov, Russia, since his arrest Nov. 25 for spying, reportedly was released to return to the United States Dec. 23 following an agreement between his company, Russian security services and himself.
According to the Associated Press at deadline, Bliss was to head home on a Qualcomm-chartered plane at an unknown date and time. The espionage charges still stand, however, and Bliss must return to Rostov Jan. 10 to continue the investigation.
Washington, D.C.-based Qualcomm spokesman Kevin Kelley told RCR that “there was no question about his release; however, there is some question concerning his return.” The company was preparing a statement for general release.
Bliss had been installing a cellular system when he was arrested for surveying what the Russians characterized as “sensitive sites” using an alleged unauthorized satellite communications system.
