Embassy Worker Accused Of Spying ‘Handed Over Secrets' While Being Tracked By MI5

A British embassy worker accused of spying for Russia allegedly handed over secrets while being tracked by MI5, it emerged yesterday.

- Michael Knowles

Security guard David Smith was arrested on Tuesday near Berlin following a joint investigation by British and German authorities.

The Daily Express understands an alleged Russian spy working at the British Embassy in Berlin had been monitored by MI5 and German intelligence for months.

The revelation was called “one of the most serious security breaches at a UK Embassy for many years” by a senior MP.

German prosecutors yesterday said the suspect had allegedly given a Russian intelligence officer secrets in exchange for cash.

British security services had known about the alleged activities “for a while” and played a substantial role in the investigation, it is understood.

The Met Police said the 57-year-old had been arrested “on suspicion of committing offences relating to being engaged in intelligence agent activity [under German law]”.

Breaches

Labour MP Chris Bryant, chairman of the Russia All Party Parliamentary Group, said: “The news that a contractor has been arrested on suspicion of spying for the Russian state looks set to be one of the most serious security breaches at a UK Embassy for many years.