British man charged under National Security Act over GRU contact
A 31-year-old man has been charged under the National Security Act over allegations he was contacted by a representative of the GRU - Russia’s military intelligence agency.
Joshua Cammidge was arrested on Friday by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London and officers from Wiltshire Police at a home in Swindon.
He was taken to a London police station and searches were carried out at a different address in Swindon.
Cammidge was further arrested on Saturday and detained under the National Security Act.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Cammidge, a British national, has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
"Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
"We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.
"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings."
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: "The police have taken action against a potential threat, and I thank them for the vital work they do every day to keep us safe.
"Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specifics of this case, I know people will be concerned about recent incidents across Europe, intended to sow fear, create disruption and undermine support for Ukraine. They will not succeed.
"We’ll continue to take whatever action is necessary to defend against the range of threats we face from Russia. Anyone attempting to undermine our security will feel the full force of the law."
The GRU aims to provide military intelligence to the Russian president and government, and ensure Moscow’s military, economic and technological security.
The agency has been behind many cyber attacks against Western institutions.
Editor-in-Chief
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
