In brief
The Metropolitan Police have arrested three people on suspicion of spying for Russia, including a 41-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman at an address in Grays, Essex. A 46-year-old man was apprehended at a separate location nearby. They are suspected of assisting a foreign intelligence service and have been released on bail pending an ongoing investigation. Authorities warn against involvement in espionage activities.
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of spying on behalf of Russia, the Metropolitan Police has said.
A 41-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested at an address in Grays, Essex, while a 46-year-old man was arrested at a separate address in the area.
All three were arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act (NSA) 2023, and have been taken to a police station in London.
The Met confirmed that the country linked to the allegations is Russia.
Officers executed searches at the two Essex addresses; all three individuals have since been released on police bail with conditions while the investigation continues.
Cdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, noted an increase in UK individuals being recruited by foreign intelligence services.
Anyone who might be contacted and tempted into carrying out criminal activity on behalf of a foreign state in the UK should think again, he said. This kind of activity will be investigated, and anyone found to be involved can expect prosecution, with potentially serious consequences for those convicted.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
