Two men and a woman have been arrested in Grays, Essex, on suspicion of spying for Russia, the Metropolitan Police said. The arrests, made at two separate homes, follow a counter-terrorism investigation into suspected offences under the National Security Act.
The suspects, aged 41, 46, and 35, were taken to a London police station on suspicion of assisting the Russian intelligence service. They have since been bailed while inquiries continue, and Scotland Yard has declined to disclose their nationalities.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's counter-terrorism command, highlighted a growing trend of foreign intelligence services recruiting proxies in the UK. He warned that anyone tempted to carry out criminal activity for a foreign state should think again, as such actions are investigated and can lead to prosecution with serious consequences.
The arrests come amid heightened concern over Russian intelligence activities in the UK. Last year, MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned that Russia's GRU was using proxies to cause mayhem on British streets, reducing the professionalism of their operations.
