When Vladimir and Lidia Guryev were taken away from their Marquette Road home by the FBI late last June, and charged with being Russian spies, they left behind the Montclair life that had become home. All their belongings were subsequently seized by the U.S. government. Whether it was “real” or not, the couple — known locally as Richard and Cynthia Murphy — did lead a domestic existence, with many of the trappings that go along with suburban NJ family life. Now, back in Moscow, the couple is demanding some of their possessions back, saying they have no “material value,” but are “dear” to the family, according to an article in RIA Novosti, a Russian state-owned news agency.
The media source reports that a document held by the Russian legal information agency indicates that the Guryevs have specifically requested that their computers, digital photos and video cameras — or at least copies of data recorded on them — be returned.
Should they be given their personal effects back, or does their admitted occupation make the point of American possessions moot?
If we can indulge in some paranoid espionage-style thinking, might their seemingly innocent family photos and videos actually contain information that the Russians want? What are these “dear” photos and videos about? Presumably children’s birthdays, home life and such. Are there Marquette Road neighbors in them? Should Baristaville life be sent to Russia?
Have I read too many John le Carré novels, or does this make you edgy too?
