A 31-year-old British man has been charged under the National Security Act over alleged contact with Russia’s military intelligence agency.
Joshua Cammidge, from Swindon, allegedly received instructions from an individual believed to be linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps, a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
He has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparatory conduct.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Cammidge was arrested at an address in Swindon on Friday by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London officers, supported by officers from Wiltshire Police.
He was taken to a London police station and searches were carried out at a different address in Swindon, the Metropolitan Police said.
He was further arrested and detained under the National Security Act on Saturday.
The force said he has been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 203 and preparatory conduct contrary to Section 18 of the National Security Act 2023.
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “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.”
