AISI

"AISI applauds the president's actions to restore the integrity of the tariffs on steel and implement a robust and reinvigorated program to address unfair trade practices," Mr Dempsey added.

Kevin Dempsey, president of AISI, which represents major steelmakers, argues that the consolidation is a sign of health and increased investment for the industry, and the current supply shortage is a temporary bottleneck being experienced by many other industries, including semiconductors.

Italy's Aisi domestic intelligence service had reportedly been watching the captain for some time.

The spying suspicions first arose a few months ago after Aisi, Italy’s internal intelligence and security agency, signalled a relationship between the navy captain and the Russian official.

Sanjay Rajoura, a New Delhi-based member of the Aisi Taisi Democracy satirical troupe, said the case against Faruqui is the sign of a “rotten society,” and would dog him even if he were released and cleared of wrongdoing.