British Embassy, Berlin
A British Embassy security man in Berlin has been arrested on allegations of spying for the Russians.
David Smith, 57, was held in a joint operation between British Counter Terror Command and German secret services.
It’s reported “spy-catchers” from MI5 had been looking at Smith and his activities weeks before his arrest.
MI5 is trying to assess the alleged damage to embassy security.
It’s known the Russians have been trying to infiltrate British embassies around the world.
Smith is said to have been selling information to the Russian.
The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the arrested man is suspected of selling documents to “a representative of a Russian intelligence service.”
The Metropolitan Police said officers from the force’s Counter Terrorism Command are working with their German counterparts.
It is a German lead investigation.
Smith was arrested in the city of Potsdam, south-west of Berlin.
He is being on suspicion of engaging in “intelligence agent activity”.
Yesterday searches were carried out at his Potsdam home and at his workplace.
The German Foreign Ministry said it is taking the case “very seriously”.
It added any espionage activity against an allied state on German soil is “unacceptable.”
A UK Government spokesman said the suspect had been “contracted to work for the Government”.
The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office said:
“On at least one occasion he [Smith] forwarded documents obtained in the course of his professional activities to a representative of a Russian intelligence service.
“In return for providing information, the accused received cash in a previously unknown amount.”
The Metropolitan Police said:
“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.”
