U.S. Ambassador Visits American Who Was Arrested In Russia On Suspicion Of Spying

Whelan, 48, is the director of global security for Michigan-based auto parts supplier BorgWarner. The company says it does not have facilities in Russia, but The Washington Post reports the supplier does have business contracts in the country. Before joining BorgWarner, The Guardian says, Whelan worked for Kelly Services, which has offices in Russia.

Whelan served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1994-2008, during which he deployed to Iraq twice and rose to the rank of staff sergeant, serving as an administrative clerk and chief. But he was discharged for bad conduct "on several charges related to larceny," according to an account of his record released by the Marines.

Whelan has visited Russia often over the past 10 years, his family says.