British Man Charged for Aiding Russian Intelligence in UK

A British man has been accused of aiding Russia’s intelligence agency following his arrest by counter-terrorism police in Britain.

Howard Michael Phillips, a 64-year-old from Harlow in Essex, was arrested in London, on May 16, and charged for actions that “materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities”. The authorities clarified that the charge was linked to Russia.

Phillips appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Thursday and spoke to confirm his address and date of birth. He was denied bail and ordered to appear at the Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey, on June 14.

The police believes that this arrest was “not connected to any other recent charges or investigations linked to [National Security Act] offenses.”

In April two British men were charged with helping Russian intelligence services for allegedly trying to organize an arson in a Ukraine-linked business in London.