A suspected Russian spy has admitted that he was living in Canada under a false identity and agreed to deportation.

But Paul William Hampel did not admit to being a Russian agent during a hearing in federal court, the National Post reported.

“My client admits that he is not Paul William Hampel, that he is a Russian citizen, born on Oct. 21, 1961, and that he has no legal status in Canada,” lawyer Stephane Handfield said. “He is ready to leave Canada, but he does not admit being a spy.”

The man was arrested three weeks ago at Pierre Trudeau Airport in Montreal. Investigators say he was carrying thousands of dollars in five currencies, two digital cameras and a short-wave radio. He has lived in Canada for more than a decade.

“Canada’s doors are not open to those who threaten the security of Canada,” said Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day.

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