Ex-Nikon Researcher, Russian Intelligence Official Accused of Stealing Secret Know-How for Russia

Japanese police have said they believe a former employee of the Nikon Corp. and a Russian official stole sensitive material from the Japanese camera-maker that could have military applications, the AFP news agency reports.

A former Nikon researcher, 47, and a member of the Russian Trade Representation office in Japan, 35, allegedly stole a “VOA device” which can be used to stabilize optical communications, police said without elaborating. The Russian official belonged to Moscow’s military intelligence unit, better known by its initials GRU, major Japanese media reports.