The Irish embassy in Russia has requested consular access to a man detained in Moscow after being accused of spying. 

Paul Whelan was detained on Friday, December 28th.

Described by Russian authorities as a US citizen, the 48-year-old is accused of being caught while on a 'spy mission'.

Russian news agency TASS has reported that a criminal investigation has been opened against him on espionage charges.

He could face between 10 and 20 years in jail if found guilty.

UK media has today reported that Mr Whelan is a US-UK national who lives in Michigan.

He's employed by automotive company BorgWarner as director of global security.

It has now emerged that he is also an Irish citizen.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs here said: "The Embassy of Ireland in Moscow has requested consular access to an Irish citizen currently detained in Russia after receiving a request for assistance.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will provide all possible and appropriate assistance in relation to this case."

'Extremely worried'

According to BBC, Mr Whelan was born in Canada before moving to the US as a child.

In comments quoted by BBC, British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said he's "extremely worried" about Mr Whelan.

Mr Hunt said: "Individuals should not be used as pawns of diplomatic leverage. We need to see what these charges are against him and understand whether there is a case or not.

"We are giving every support we can, but we don't agree with individuals being used in diplomatic chess games."

Mr Whelan met with US ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman in Moscow earlier this week.

Mr Whelan's family have previously insisted his innocence is "undoubted" and that he was in Russia for a wedding.

My brother was detained by the Russian government on Friday as an alleged spy. While the law library + info focus will remain, you may see an increase in off-message topics until we get him safely home. pic.twitter.com/2HIF1UmS1b

— David Whelan (@davidpwhelan) January 1, 2019