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Spy ring

By United Press International

NEW YORK, June 29 (UPI) -- U.S. officials arrested 10 people who are alleged to have been part of an espionage group linked to Russia.

An 11th person allegedly involved was arrested in Cyprus with extradition proceedings to have him returned to the United States pending. Charges filed against the suspects accuse the group of being unlawful agents of a foreign government. Additional charges include money laundering.

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Russia said the allegations are baseless.

Arrests were made in Massachusetts, New York and Virginia following a years-long investigation. The suspects were living apparently normal lives and the information they allegedly passed along wasn't classified, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Officials said those involved allegedly used fake passports and other forged documents that would allow the suspects to assume identities as "citizens or legal residents" of the countries they operated in. One document said those involved were to "develop ties in policymaking circles."

The alleged ring was apparently charged with picking up information on issues such as Iran, the White House, political party rumors and arms control.