Three individuals, aged 44, 45, and 48, have been apprehended by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of aiding Russia’s intelligence agency. The arrests were carried out in west and central London by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing on Thursday. The detained individuals are currently under police custody under section 3 of the National Security Act.
Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads Counter Terrorism Policing London, emphasized the rise in the recruitment of individuals acting as ‘proxies’ for foreign intelligence services. He stated that the recent arrests are part of the continuous efforts to disrupt such illicit activities. Murphy warned individuals against engaging in criminal acts on behalf of foreign nations within the UK, highlighting the severe legal consequences that could follow, including prosecution and potential serious penalties upon conviction.