Briton arrested in Germany accused of spying for Russia

A British man working on the embassy in Berlin has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia, German offiicals have stated.

Prosecutors stated a UK citizen accused of spying for the Kremlin since final yr whereas working on the British Embassy had been detained. 

The person was arrested on Tuesday in Potsdam following an investigation collectively headed by German and British authorities.

German privateness legal guidelines meant he might solely be recognized as David S, aged 57. Detectives have performed a search of his dwelling and workplace.

Prosecutors stated he was suspected of getting spied for the Russian intelligence service since not less than November.

Earlier than his arrest, he labored on the British Embassy within the German capital, having been employed regionally.

He allegedly handed on paperwork he acquired at work to the Russians on not less than one event, and acquired an unknown sum of money in return, the prosecutor’s assertion stated.

“On not less than one event he forwarded paperwork obtained in the midst of his skilled actions to a consultant of a Russian intelligence service,” the German prosecutors’ assertion stated.

“In return for offering info, the accused acquired money in a beforehand unknown quantity.”

A choose on the Federal Courtroom of Justice in Karlsruhe – Germany’s supreme courtroom – is anticipated to resolve on Wednesday whether or not the suspect needs to be held in custody.

In an announcement, the Metropolitan Police, who additionally declined to call him absolutely, stated: “The person was arrested within the Berlin space on suspicion of committing offences referring to being engaged in ‘Intelligence Agent exercise’ (below German legislation).

“Primacy for the investigation stays with German authorities. Officers from the Counter Terrorism Command proceed to liaise with German counterparts because the investigation continues.”

The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is answerable for investigating alleged breaches of the Official Secrets and techniques Act.

A UK authorities spokesman stated: “A person who was contracted to work for the federal government was arrested yesterday by the German authorities.

“It might not be applicable to remark additional as there’s an ongoing police investigation.”

In November, Russia’s safety providers detained a UK-based govt working for Aeroflot on suspicion of spying for Britain.

Dmitry Fedotkin – the UK station supervisor for the Russian airline for the final 5 years – was reportedly arrested in Moscow.

An unnamed Russian supply alleged that Mr Fedotkin had handed details about Russia’s social and political state of affairs to British intelligence providers – however didn’t have entry to state secrets and techniques linked to the aviation trade.

In a separate casse, Paul Whelan – a British, Irish, US and Canadian citizen – was detained at a Moscow lodge in December 2018 by Russian authorities and accused of spying on Russia.

The previous United States Marine was subsequently sentenced to 16 years in jail – and has already spent two years behind bars, a few of that in solitary confinement.