ps After a British Embassy employee was arrested on suspicion of espionage, called for a security review of the British Embassy contractor Russia
A 57-year-old British national-the authorities only identified him as David S, but referred to him as David Smith in the report-was detained on Tuesday following a joint investigation by the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom. German authorities.
The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office stated that the man was suspected of selling documents obtained in the course of his work to “a representative of the Russian intelligence service.”
A spokesman for the British government said that the suspect had “signed up to work for the government”, but British officials would not comment on reports that the suspect was acting as a security guard at the embassy.
This situation has caused security concerns among members of Congress.
Labour Party Member Chris Bryant The Chairman of the Russian Group of the All-Party Parliament told the “Daily Telegraph” that the British government “must review the safety of all contractors of the British Embassy as a matter of urgency”.
He described the arrest as “one of the most serious security breaches in the British Embassy in years.”
The Telegraph reports Conservative MPs Tobias Elwood The Chairman of the Special Committee on Defense of the House of Commons also called on the government to review the safety of all contractors working at the British Embassy, which he described as a “standard agreement after such an incident” and added that the incident was a “disturbing step backwards.” In the cold war years”.
David S, arrested in Potsdam, southwest of Berlin, was imprisoned by German law on suspicion of engaging in “intelligence agent activities.”
The Metropolitan Police Department stated that officials of the Force’s Anti-Terrorism Command are liaising with their German counterparts who have a “primary position” in the investigation, which is responsible for investigating suspected violations of the Official Secrets Act.
However, PA News Agency learned that the British security services are heavily involved in so-called intelligence-led operations.
After the man was detained, searches were conducted in his home and workplace.
The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is taking the case “very seriously”.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters: “It is absolutely unacceptable to spy on close allies on German territory. We are totally in solidarity with our British friends.
“We will pay close attention to the further investigations of federal prosecutors. We will also support them where necessary, necessary and possible.”
German prosecutors said the man had been working as a “local employee” in the embassy.
The man was arrested on suspicion of engaging in crimes related to engaging in “intelligence agent activities”
The Metropolitan Police Agency said in a statement: “The man was arrested in the Berlin area on suspicion of guilty of crimes related to engaging in’intelligence agent activities’ (according to German law).
“The first task of the investigation remains the German authorities. As the investigation continues, officials of the Counter-Terrorism Command will continue to maintain contact with their German counterparts.”
A spokesman for the British government said: “A person who signed a contract with the government was arrested by the German authorities yesterday.
“As the police are investigating, it is not appropriate to comment further.”
The arrest took place during years of tension between Britain and Russia.
In June, a Royal Navy warship was buzzed by Russian fighter jets as it sailed through disputed waters near Crimea, and Crimea was annexed by Moscow from Ukraine.
In 2018, the United Kingdom expelled 23 Russian intelligence officials after a poisoning attack on former spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury. The attack persuaded allies to expel dozens.
