British man arrested for ‘spying for Russia and while working at embassy in Germany’
British man is arrested for ‘spying for Russia and handing over documents for cash while working at embassy in Germany’
A 57-year-old British man suspected of spying for Russia and handing over documents in exchange for cash while working at the British Embassy in Berlin has been arrested in Germany, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
The suspect identified only as David S., was arrested on Tuesday in Potsdam, west of Berlin, based on cooperative investigations by German and British authorities.
German prosecutors said the Briton is suspected of being a secret service agent and spying for the Russian intelligence service at least since November.
Before his arrest, he worked as a local hire at the British Embassy in Berlin and allegedly passed on documents he received at work to the Russians, the prosecutors said.
The suspect ‘on at least one occasion passed on documents he acquired as part of his professional activities to a representative of Russian intelligence,’ the federal prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
The Briton then received an unknown amount of cash in return, the statement said, adding that investigators have searched his home and office.
His arrest is the result of a joint investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command and their German counterparts.
The Met Police said in a statement: ‘A 57-year old British national was arrested by German authorities on Tuesday, 10 August, as part of a joint investigation between the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and German counterparts.
‘The man was arrested in the Berlin area on suspicion of committing offences relating to being engaged in ‘Intelligence Agent activity’ (under German law).
‘Primacy for the investigation remains with German authorities. Officers from the Counter Terrorism Command continue to liaise with German counterparts as the investigation continues.
‘The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is responsible for investigating allegations and matters relating to alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act.’
MailOnline has contacted The UK Home Office for comment.
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The suspect identified only as David S., who worked until the time of his arrest as local staff at the British embassy, ‘on at least one occasion passed on documents he acquired as part of his professional activities to a representative of Russian intelligence. Pictured: The British embassy in Berlin
