Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested a Moscow resident on charges of treason. Investigators believe the man systematically collected personal and background information on opposition-minded Russian citizens to pass on to foreign intelligence agencies in a NATO country for subsequent recruitment.

"The detainee was passing information and personal data about opposition-minded Russians who could be persuaded to cooperate to the NATO country's intelligence services," - the source said.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code (high treason), which carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years. The court has ordered pretrial detention. The name of the suspect, the specific recipient country, and the volume of materials transferred are being withheld for the benefit of the investigation.

The operation was carried out as part of counterintelligence activities to prevent attempts at external interference in Russia's internal affairs.