British Man Charged Under National Security Act for Alleged Espionage
A 31-year-old British man has been charged under the National Security Act for alleged contact with Russia's military intelligence agency. Joshua Cammidge, from Swindon, is accused of receiving instructions from an individual believed to be linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps, a group associated with Russia's military intelligence agency, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
He faces charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparatory conduct. Cammidge is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday. His arrest took place at an address in Swindon on Friday, executed by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London officers, with support from Wiltshire Police.
Following his initial arrest, Cammidge was taken to a London police station, where further searches were conducted at a different location in Swindon. He was subsequently arrested and detained under the National Security Act on Saturday. The CPS confirmed that he has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service in violation of Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, as well as preparatory conduct contrary to Section 18 of the same act.
Filed & Cleared
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS's Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, stated that prosecutors have determined there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the defendant's right to a fair trial is upheld, urging that there should be no reporting or commentary that could prejudice the ongoing proceedings.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis commented on the situation, stating that the police have acted against a potential threat and expressed gratitude for their daily efforts to maintain public safety. While he refrained from discussing the specifics of the case, he acknowledged public concern regarding recent incidents across Europe that aim to instill fear and disrupt support for Ukraine, asserting that such efforts will not succeed.
