A British man has been charged with offences under the National Security Act following an investigation into alleged contact with a representative of a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency, the Metropolitan Police has said.
Joshua Cammidge, 31, was arrested by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London, supported by Wiltshire Police, at an address in Swindon on Friday 4 September.
He was taken to a London police station while officers carried out searches at a separate address in Swindon.
Police said Cammidge was further arrested and detained under the National Security Act on 5 September on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Following further enquiries, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised two charges.
Cammidge has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, as well as preparatory conduct contrary to section 18 of the same Act.
The Metropolitan Police said: “The above offences relate to alleged contact with a representative of the GRU Volunteer Corps – a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency.”
The case is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Police have not provided further detail on the nature of the alleged contact, the activities said to have been undertaken or the specific conduct forming the basis of the charges.
The GRU is Russia’s military intelligence service. The Metropolitan Police described the GRU Volunteer Corps involved in the allegation as a group controlled by that agency.
Cammidge, who police confirmed is a British national, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 10 September. The charges remain allegations and the case is now subject to criminal proceedings.
