On 18 September 2025, three people—a 41-year-old man, a 35-year-old woman, and a 46-year-old man—were arrested by the Metropolitan Police in Grays, Essex, on suspicion of spying for Russia. The arrests relate to charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Searches were conducted at two addresses in Essex. The individuals were taken to London police stations and later released on conditional bail while investigations continue. The arrests highlight an increasing trend of UK residents being recruited by foreign intelligence services, with specific reference to Russian military intelligence (GRU) and proxies such as the Wagner mercenary group. These arrests are not connected to a recent arson attack in London involving the Wagner group. The UK government designated the Wagner group as a terrorist organization in September 2023.

On 18 September 2025, three people—a 41-year-old man, a 35-year-old woman, and a 46-year-old man—were arrested by the Metropolitan Police in Grays, Essex, on suspicion of spying for Russia. The arrests relate to charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Searches were conducted at two addresses in Essex. The individuals were taken to London police stations and later released on conditional bail while investigations continue. The arrests highlight an increasing trend of UK residents being recruited by foreign intelligence services, with specific reference to Russian military intelligence (GRU) and proxies such as the Wagner mercenary group. These arrests are not connected to a recent arson attack in London involving the Wagner group. The UK government designated the Wagner group as a terrorist organization in September 2023.