Authorities in Essex have detained two men and a woman under suspicion of espionage activities linked to Russia.
The Metropolitan Police disclosed that the trio, comprising a 41-year-old man, a 46-year-old man, and a 35-year-old woman, were apprehended at separate locations in Grays on allegations of aiding a foreign intelligence service. They were subsequently transported to a London police facility. The Metropolitan Police clarified: “The country implicated in the allegations is Russia.”
Commander Dominic Murphy, leading the Counter Terrorism Command, stated: “In our recent national security casework, we have observed a rise in the recruitment of ‘proxies’ by foreign intelligence services.
“For instance, two young British individuals are currently awaiting sentencing after being enlisted by the Wagner Group, effectively representing the Russian government, to set fire to a warehouse linked to Ukraine. Although these individuals face potentially lengthy prison terms, it is important to note that the recent arrests are unrelated to that specific case.
“However, anyone approached and enticed into engaging in criminal acts on behalf of a foreign nation within the UK should reconsider their actions. Such activities will be thoroughly investigated, and perpetrators will face prosecution with severe consequences upon conviction.”
The three suspects have been released on bail pending further inquiry. Scotland Yard has declined to reveal the nationalities of the individuals involved.
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