Defendants in court in NYC ahead of what’s expected to be largest spy swap since Cold War

US defendants in court ahead of expected spy swap

NEW YORK — A hearing has begun in a Manhattan courtroom for 10 people accused of spying for Russia. It’s expected to set up the largest Russia-U.S. spy swap since the Cold War.

The hearing Thursday is expected to feature pleas by as many as 10 of the 11 people charged with conspiring to act as unregistered agents of Russia. Two lawyers confirmed just before the hearing that their clients would plead guilty.

The arrests occurred more than a week ago, capping a more than decade-long investigation of people who appeared to have embedded themselves in the fabric of American life. Authorities said they were reporting what they learned in the U.S. to Russian officials.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Ten people accused of spying for Russia are in a Manhattan courtroom for a hearing expected to set up the largest Russia-U.S. spy swap since the Cold War.

The hearing Thursday is expected to feature pleas by as many as 10 of the 11 people charged with conspiring to act as unregistered agents of Russia. Two lawyers confirmed just before the hearing that their clients would plead guilty.

The arrests occurred more than a week ago, capping a more than decade-long investigation of people who appeared to have embedded themselves in the fabric of American life. Authorities said they were reporting what they learned in the U.S. to Russian officials.