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Spies may be returned to Russia: lawyers

Ten suspected spies who pleaded guilty Thursday may be returned to Russia under a plea deal hammered out in agreement with Moscow, lawyers told a New York court.

Russian officials had visited the 10 in jail after they were rounded up last week and had been discussing their future in Russia, the court was told.

One of the prosecutors said they have been discussing “the life these defendants might be returning to in Russia.”

A defense lawyer added: “The plea agreement has been provided by the defense to representatives of the Russian Federation, and the word back is that it is acceptable to the Russian Federation.”

Prosecutors outlined one of the deals for well-known Peruvian-American journalist Vicky Pelaez, who was married to another defendant.

“Vicky Pelaez has also been visited, they promised her free housing, visas for her children, all expenses paid and, for her 2,000 dollars a month for life,” a prosecutor told the courtroom.