VLADIKAVKAZ, September 3 (RIA Novosti) - A Russian cab driver admitted spying for Georgia during his trial at a Supreme Court in Russia's southern republic of North Ossetia, a source in the court said on Thursday.
Russia's Prosecutor General's Office said Alexander Khachirov was recruited while in Georgia, when he was approached by Georgian border authorities. Investigators said Khachirov's taxi was fitted with a hidden video camera which he used to secretly film Russian military movements and gather intelligence for Georgia.
"From the very beginning, he never said he wasn't guilty, and today he fully admitted the charges," the source said.
Khachirov could face up to 20 years in prison for state treason.
A Russian military court last week sentenced Lt. Col. Mikhail Khachidze, a deputy unit commander in the North Caucasus Military District, to six years in prison for high treason and espionage and stripped him of his rank.
Khachidze was recruited by Georgian military intelligence in October 2007 and passed them military secrets.
Khachidze was arrested in August 2008 during the conflict between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia.
