CNN reports American detained by North Korean govt

North Korea has detained a US citizen on suspicion of spying.

It says a man it identifies as Kim Dong Chul is being held and that he had traveled extensively in recent years between China and North Korea and had made trips to South Korea as well.

The CNN is reporting that North Korean authorities are maintaining that Kim stole state secrets and engaged in espionage.

In Washington, a State Department official refused to confirm the story.

The official says that "speaking publicly about specific purported cases of detained Americans can complicate our tireless efforts to secure their freedom."

The official spoke only on grounds of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

CNN displayed Kim's US passport.