British national charged with assisting Russian intelligence services

A man has been charged with assisting Russian intelligence services, the Metropolitan Police said.

Joshua Cammidge, 31, has been charged with National Security Act offences as part of an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London.

The offences relate to alleged contact with a representative of the GRU Volunteer Corps, a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency, police added.

Cammidge was arrested by CTP London officers, supported by officers from Wiltshire Police, at an address in Swindon on Friday, September 4.

He was taken to a London police station and searches were carried out at a different address in Swindon, the force said.

On September 5, Cammidge was further arrested and detained under the National Security Act, on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Met Police said that after additional enquiries, Cammidge was charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, and preparatory conduct contrary to section 18 of the National Security Act 2023.

Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Joshua Cammidge with National Security Act offences following a counter terrorism policing investigation.

“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: “The police have taken action against a potential threat, and I thank them for the vital work they do every day to keep us safe.

“Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specifics of this case, I know people will be concerned about recent incidents across Europe, intended to sow fear, create disruption and undermine support for Ukraine. They will not succeed.

“We’ll continue to take whatever action is necessary to defend against the range of threats we face from Russia. Anyone attempting to undermine our security will feel the full force of the law.”

Cammidge is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 September.

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