To quote Boney M: “Oh, those Russians.”

An alleged Russian spy – who was arrested this week, and is facing charges of infiltrating U.S. political groups and acting for the Russian government – reportedly offered sex for a position within a U.S. special interest organisation.

No, this isn’t a sub-plot for a James Bond flick.

Maria Butina, 29, appeared in court on Wednesday, July 18, where she was grilled by prosecutors:

The Daily Beast has got the scoop:

Maria Butina, whose years-long mission to build ties between Russia, the National Rifle Association and the Republican Party led to her arrest this week, has ties to Russian intelligence, federal prosecutors alleged on Wednesday.

Among documents uncovered in Butina’s apartment after her arrest on Sunday was a “hand-written” note asking, “How to respond to FSB offer of employment?” the Justice Department said in a court filing. The FSB is the successor to the Soviet-era KGB …

BI surveillance also captured Butina [above right] in March 2018 “sharing a private meal” with a person whom U.S. intelligence believes is “a Russian intelligence officer” under diplomatic cover.

Prosecutors also took great interest in texts between her and a Kremlin official, who compared her to another Russian femme fatale, the ever-so-smoking-hot Anna Chapman.

Sky News reveals:

The text included: “You have upstaged Anna Chapman. She poses with toy pistols, while you are being published with real ones.”

Well, the official wasn’t wrong. Too bad Butina will never get to pose for Maxim like Chapman.

However, people were more scandalised by the fact that Butina allegedly offered a man believed to be a GOP powerbroker a good time in the sheets, in exchange for political access.

The prosecutors didn’t hold back on the juicy details regarding their alleged hook-up:

Prosecutors alleged for the first time that Butina and a man believed to be GOP political operative Paul Erickson – listed in court filings this week as “U.S. Person 1” – were intimately involved.

Through U.S. Person 1, Butina obtained what prosecutors call “an extensive network” of right-wing political figures … But on Wednesday, prosecutors alleged what was in it for U.S. Person 1: “Butina, age 29, and U.S. Person 1, age 56, are believed to have co-habitated and been involved in a personal relationship during the course of Butina’s activities in the United States.”

Prosecutors charged that Butina viewed their relationship as “simply a necessary aspect of her activities.” On another occasion, Butina allegedly offered a different person “sex in exchange for a position within a special interest organisation.”

Very spicy indeed, especially for a spy who ought to cover her tracks properly.

That’s if the allegations are true, of course. Until then, Butina isn’t going to hear the end of this. I betcha Erickson – er, I mean Person 1 won’t, either.

The Russian consulate in the U.S. is attempting to get access to Butina. If found guilty of conspiracy, she could face up to five years in jail.

Read the full articles here and here.

[sources:dailybeast&skynews]