Abkhazia Institute for Social and Economic Research

Home

Russia�s Geopolitical

British 'spy' arrested in Russian secrets plot

British 'spy' arrested in Russian secrets plot

PDF

Print

E-mail

Written by Sean Rayment and Jasper Copping
Sunday, 11 November 2007
A former British soldier has been arrested on suspicion of spying for the Russian intelligence services, it can be disclosed today. Peter Hill, a former Territorial Army trooper in the Royal Armoured Corps, was detained under the Official Secrets Act, for allegedly attempting to sell classified military documents to the Russians. Peter Hill, British 'spy' arrested in Russian secrets plot Peter Hill is reportedly being questioned for attempting to pass secrets to the Russians He was arrested following a Metropolitan Police "sting" in which an undercover officer was understood to have posed as a Kremlin agent. Hill, 23, described as an "opportunist", is understood to have been under surveillance for some time and was arrested in Leeds last Wednesday evening, within minutes of the alleged exchange taking place. It is understood the alleged security breach was from a Government establishment and not from a commercial military supplier or manufacturer. The documents he is alleged to have tried to leak concern sensitive military information. The former trooper comes from Colne, in Lancashire but lives and works in Skipton, North Yorkshire, where a residential and business premises has been searched as part of the police operation. Hill, who is understood to have recently been working as a bailiff, was questioned at a police station in Leeds. He was also arrested under the Explosive Substances Act after the discovery of suspicious material during the searches. advertisement The material is understood to be related to his service with the Territorials and has nothing to do with his alleged spying. The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that MI5 now believes there are 30 intelligence officers working "under cover" in the Russian embassy who are trying to steal Britain's military and political secrets. A document, circulated to British military bases three weeks ago, states: "It is all too easy to overlook the threat from espionage that this country faces. The activity by the Russian Intelligence Services - External Intelligence Service (SVR) and the Military Intelligence Service (GRU) - is as extensive now as at any time during the Cold War. "It is believed there are 30 intelligence officers working under cover in the Russian embassy, consulate and trade delegation. Rather than seeking intelligence on purely military hardware, they seek intelligence on a range of technologies as well as policy attitudes to the EU, Nato, G8, our allies as well as UK foreign policy." Last night, Hill, of Lambert Street Skipton, was bailed by police over the spying allegations. Although the alleged offence took place in Leeds, the serious nature of the case meant the Scotland Yard-based Special Branch, a part of the Metropolitan Police, was involved. A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "At approximately 8.10pm on November 7, officers from the Metropolitan Police arrested a man in his 20s at an address in Leeds under Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911. The man was further arrested under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. Following an application to court for an extension of custody the man remains in custody at a Yorkshire police station." Hill's lawyer Grahame Stowe, refused to comment, but confirmed he was representing a man who had been arrested under the Official Secrets Act. Referring to the activities of the Russians, the document sent to bases went on: "They are most likely to seek to make and build relationships. All contacts with citizens from countries where special security regulations apply are to be reported to G2 and 235 Military Intelligence Section." Jonathan Evans, the new head of MI5, warned just last week that the espionage threat posed by the Russian intelligence services was diverting valuable resources ways from the fight against Islamist terrorism. Hill's page on the MySpace website says that he went to the acclaimed Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, in Lancashire, before studying philosophy, politics and economics at Keele University. As a child, he attended Park Primary in Colne, and Park High School. Last night his mother Anne Browne, from her home in Keighley Road, Colne, said: "I don't know anything until we get more information." A Russian embassy spokesman said that he was unaware of the details surrounding the arrest. Hill is due to appear at Leeds magistrates' court tomorrow charged under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. The Government owns a number of military installations in the yorkshire area, including: • Catterick Garrison - Europe's biggest military town, housing 7,500 regular soldiers and 1,900 recruits • Dishforth Army air base, near Thirsk - home of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps • RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York - one of the most important flight training bases with 900 personnel • RAF Church Fenton, Tadcaster - home of 3 Squadron of No1 Elementary Flying Training School and Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron • RAF Leeming, 25 miles south of Northallerton -operates a front-line air defence Tornado F3 Squadron and is home to No100 Squadron flying Hawk aircraft • Imphal Barracks, York - home of 2 Signal Regiment • Strensall Barracks, York - site of the Queen Elizabeth Barracks Training Centre Reports said the alleged security breach did not relate to the following surveillance bases: • Menwith Hills, near Harrogate - US Air Force base • RAF Fylingdales, North Yorkshire Moors - Ballistic Missile Early Warning Station # Additional reporting: Ben Leach www.telegraph.co.uk !
Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 November 2007 )

< Prev		Next >

Foundation Georgia

www.foundationgeorgia.com

History

Politics

Economic

Health