A 31-year-old British man has been charged under the National Security Act over alleged links to Russia’s military intelligence service. According to prosecutors, Joshua Cammidge, from Swindon, allegedly received instructions from a person believed to have links to the GRU Volunteer Corps.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the group is controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency. As a result, Cammidge faces charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparatory conduct.
Meanwhile, he is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The charges have not been tested in court, and Cammidge has the right to a fair trial.
Man Arrested in Swindon
Earlier, Counter Terrorism Policing London officers arrested Cammidge at an address in Swindon on Friday. Wiltshire Police officers supported the operation.
Following the arrest, Cammidge was taken to a police station in London. At the same time, officers searched another address in Swindon, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The following day, police said Cammidge was further arrested and detained under the National Security Act. Specifically, the charges relate to alleged offences under Sections 3 and 18 of the National Security Act 2023.
Meanwhile, UK authorities continue to monitor potential threats linked to foreign states and intelligence services. In recent months, officials have also warned about activities that could create disruption or influence public opinion.
CPS Warns Against Prejudicing Case
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said prosecutors had assessed the evidence before bringing the case to court.
However, he stressed that the proceedings are active and that Cammidge has the right to a fair trial. For that reason, the CPS warned against publishing or sharing material that could prejudice the legal proceedings.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis also thanked the police officers involved in the investigation. According to Jarvis, police had taken action against a potential threat.
At the same time, he said it would be inappropriate to comment on the specific details of the case. Instead, Jarvis referred more broadly to recent incidents across Europe.
He said some actions had been intended to create fear, cause disruption and weaken support for Ukraine. Nevertheless, he said such efforts would not succeed.
Charges Remain Allegations
For now, Cammidge remains accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service and engaging in preparatory conduct. The allegations will be examined through the court process.
Importantly, the charges do not mean the defendant has been found guilty. The prosecution must present its evidence, while Cammidge remains entitled to a fair trial.
As the case moves forward, further details may emerge during court proceedings. Until then, the allegations should be treated as unproven.
