On September 18, 2025, Sky News reported that Essex police in the UK arrested three individuals on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence. The suspects were taken to a London police station and detained under the National Security Act. They were later released on bail. The charges are linked to allegations of aiding foreign intelligence services, a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Increased concern over Russian espionage activities
Dominic Murphy, the head of London’s counterterrorism unit, commented on the rising number of individuals being recruited as “proxies” by foreign intelligence agencies. He highlighted the case of two British nationals who were recruited by the Russian Wagner group last year for a firebombing operation at a warehouse connected to Ukraine in East London. Murphy clarified that the recent arrests were not related to the firebombing case.
These developments come amid heightened scrutiny of Russian intelligence operations in Europe following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. UK intelligence officials have previously accused Russia of conducting so-called hybrid operations in Britain and other European nations, allegations which Russia has denied.
In May 2025, six members of a spy ring operating in the UK were sentenced. The group, composed of Bulgarian nationals, was found guilty of spying for Russia. Their targets included investigative journalists such as Roman Dobrokhotov and Hristo Grozev, the latter of whom was reportedly targeted for kidnapping and assassination. The group was allegedly coordinated by former Wirecard executive Jan Marsalek, who, according to investigations, had been recruited by Russian intelligence services.
Russia’s ongoing espionage efforts in the UK and beyond
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia has continued its espionage activities in the UK and other Western countries, with these operations intensifying following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The objectives of these activities are not limited to gathering confidential information on politics, economics, and science and technology. They also include acts of arson, sabotage, intimidation, and discrediting Russian opposition figures and investigative journalists who expose the activities of Russian intelligence agencies. This forms part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening countries supporting Ukraine and destabilizing the West.
Russian intelligence services have shown increased interest in companies that produce weapons and military equipment for Ukraine, as well as military bases in Europe, to gain information on the defense capabilities of Western allies. The data on the volumes, types, and routes of military supplies help Moscow plan its military operations on the Russian-Ukrainian front.
Escalating counterintelligence measures needed
The active operations of Russian agents in the UK require a ramping up of counterintelligence efforts, expanding both technical and human intelligence capabilities. It is crucial not only to detect Russian spies but also to prevent their activities in a timely manner.
Additionally, Russian intelligence services are actively using cyberattacks for espionage and sabotage. As such, protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats has become an urgent priority. Western countries must strengthen the cybersecurity of their government and commercial networks, encouraging the private sector to invest in protective mechanisms. This will help mitigate the level and capabilities of Russian cyber espionage.
Diplomatic and economic consequences of Russian espionage
Every confirmed case of Russian espionage should have diplomatic and economic repercussions. This applies to both the direct accountability of individuals suspected of espionage and the imposition of additional sanctions against Russia.
