Brazil Refuses Extradition Requests for Alleged Russian Spy

Brazil has denied extradition requests from the United States and Russia for Sergei Cherkasov, an accused Russian spy posing as a Brazilian citizen. Cherkasov is currently in prison in Brazil for using false personal documents. Russia requested his extradition on drug trafficking charges, while the US seeks his extradition on charges of acting as a foreign agent and fraud. The denial is a setback for the US, which hoped to include Cherkasov in a potential prisoner exchange with Russia. Cherkasov's case is subject to review by Brazilian authorities.