UK police arrest two men and a woman on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence
Authorities say the arrests are part of an ongoing counterintelligence investigation; details are limited.
LONDON — British police arrested two men and a woman on Wednesday on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence, authorities said. The arrests were announced as part of an ongoing counterintelligence investigation. Police did not immediately identify the suspects or provide details about where the arrests occurred, and no charges were announced at the time.
A police spokesman said investigators are examining whether the individuals provided support or information that aided a foreign intelligence service. He declined to specify the nature of the alleged assistance, the locations involved, or the exact timing, citing the sensitivity of the probe. The statement underscored that the investigation remains active as agents continue to pursue potential leads.
Officials noted that the case fits into a broader pattern of intelligence activity linked to Russia that has drawn scrutiny in recent years. Britain has publicly addressed espionage cases and expulsions tied to Russian operations, and security agencies have warned that Moscow continues to seek access to sensitive information. The arrest comes as Western nations maintain heightened vigilance over foreign intelligence efforts.
Legal and procedural steps will follow the investigation. If prosecutors determine there is sufficient evidence, charges would be brought consistent with national law, with the Crown Prosecution Service handling any case in court. Until then, authorities stressed that the public should not assume guilt and that investigations of this nature can take time. The authorities also asked anyone with information related to the case to contact the appropriate law-enforcement channels.
