British national charged with assisting Russian intelligence services
Joshua Cammidge, 31, has been charged under the National Security Act with offences linked to assisting Russian intelligence services. The charge follows an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
A 31-year-old British national has been charged with offences under the National Security Act after an investigation into alleged assistance to Russian intelligence services. Joshua Cammidge was charged by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, the unit confirmed.
The charges relate to activity that is said to have taken place in connection with Russian intelligence operations. The specific nature of the alleged assistance has not been disclosed in full, but the case is being handled under the National Security Act, the legislation introduced to strengthen the UK’s response to hostile state activity, espionage and foreign interference.
Cammidge was arrested by CTP officers before being formally charged. He is the latest individual to face prosecution under the act, which has been used increasingly in recent years as British authorities seek to counter threats posed by foreign intelligence services operating on UK soil.
The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, which has primacy for national security investigations in the capital. The Metropolitan Police and other agencies have been involved in the broader effort to identify and disrupt hostile state activity linked to Russia.
The case comes amid heightened concern in the UK and across Europe about Russian espionage and covert operations. British security services have repeatedly warned about the scale of the threat, pointing to a range of activities from cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns to the recruitment of individuals who can provide access to sensitive information or infrastructure.
Cammidge is scheduled to appear in court in connection with the charges. Further details of the alleged offences are expected to emerge during the judicial process, which will examine the evidence gathered by counter-terrorism investigators.
The National Security Act, which received royal assent in 2023, modernised the UK’s espionage laws and created new offences covering foreign interference, sabotage and the acquisition or disclosure of protected information. It was designed to close gaps in previous legislation and to give prosecutors and security services stronger tools to deal with state threats.
The charge against Cammidge underscores the continuing focus of British law enforcement on Russian intelligence activity. Official assessments have identified Russia as one of the most active and capable hostile states seeking to undermine UK interests, and the government has pledged to use all available legal powers to counter such efforts.
No further comment has been made by the authorities while the case is before the courts.
