UK counter-terrorism authorities have apprehended two men and a woman in the southeastern region of England under suspicion of espionage activities for Russia, as announced by the Metropolitan Police on the previous day. The individuals were detained on allegations of aiding a foreign intelligence service, a violation of section 3 of the National Security Act, and were subsequently brought to a London police facility before being released on conditional bail.
A 41-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were both arrested at the same location, while a 46-year-old man was apprehended at a separate address within the Grays area of southeastern Essex. Dominic Murphy, the head of the Counter Terrorism Command, highlighted the growing trend of individuals acting as ‘proxies’ for foreign intelligence agencies.
In a separate incident, six Bulgarian nationals were sentenced in May for their involvement in a Russian espionage operation based at a former guesthouse in the coastal town of Great Yarmouth in eastern England. Additionally, several individuals are currently awaiting sentencing for their involvement in an arson attack on a warehouse supplying communication equipment to Ukraine, having been recruited by the Russian paramilitary group Wagner.
Last year, Ken McCallum, the Director General of MI5, issued a warning regarding Russia’s intelligence agency’s intentions to create disruption in the UK due to its support for Ukraine. McCallum also emphasized Russia’s utilization of criminals and private intelligence operatives to carry out activities within the UK.
Dominic Murphy cautioned the public against engaging in criminal activities on behalf of foreign states within the UK, urging individuals to reconsider any potential offers or solicitations they may receive.