Three held on suspicion of helping Russian intelligence

On or before 14 October 2025, three men aged 48, 45, and 44 were arrested by Metropolitan Police in London at addresses in west and central London. They are suspected of assisting Russia's foreign intelligence service under section 3 of the UK's National Security Act 2023. Searches continue at these and other west London locations. The arrests aim to counter rising recruitment of proxies by foreign intelligence services. This follows related cases, including convictions for spying linked to the Kremlin and involvement with Russia's Wagner mercenary group. MI6 recently launched a dark web portal to attract spies amid increasing threats from Russia and other states. MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum noted a 35% increase in terror investigations, citing escalating state threats.