Some of the Russian diplomats suspected of American medical insurance fraud could be engaged in espionage. FBI followed them like real spies, but in the end it was decided to accuse them of financial abuse only.

      Most of the accused had already left the U.S. and only 11 of them are currently in the country: five persons work in the permanent mission of Russia to the UN, one works in the Russian embassy in Washington, and the rest are spouses of diplomats. They plan to return to their homeland in the near future as well. Overall, fraud charges were brought against 49 Russians: 25 former and current employees of the Consulate General, Russian Trade Mission and permanent mission to the United Nations and their family members.