NewsUS citizen jailed in Russia for swearing at police during home search

US citizen jailed in Russia for swearing at police during home search

Police blocked the entrance to Red Square Max Ryazanov

Images source: © Getty Images | Max_Ryazanov

4:22 PM EDT, May 15, 2024

A United States citizen was sentenced to 10 days in prison for using profanity in front of police officers in Russia. The incident occurred after the officers visited his residence to search.

On Tuesday, the Russian news agency Tass reported that US citizen Angelo Joseph Talarico IV had been detained for 10 days. He allegedly swore at the officers searching for his home as part of an investigation into a reported theft. Talarico denies these allegations.

"Newsweek" emailed the White House and the Russian Foreign Ministry to seek further details and comments on the situation.

It is known that the 30-year-old relocated from Los Angeles to Moscow. He was in his wife's apartment in the Russian capital when the search occurred, which was part of an inquiry into a bitcoin theft in the Murmansk region.

The American reportedly shouted loudly in English at the agents, who clearly understood the offensive words used, as highlighted by the media.

Problems for Americans in Russia

This case adds to a growing list of incidents where Americans have been detained in Russia over the past few months. Relations between the two countries are increasingly strained, especially as the United States continues to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia that began with the latter's invasion in February 2022.

The news of Talarico's arrest emerged shortly after another American, Sgt. Gordon Black, was detained in Russia while visiting his girlfriend.

Furthermore, since March 2023, Russia has detained "Wall Street Journal" reporter Evan Gerschkovitz, who is facing charges of espionage.