UK man charged with assisting Russian intelligence-linked group - Reuters

A 31‑year‑old man from Swindon has been charged with offences under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act after an investigation by Counter‑Terrorism Policing (CTP) in London. Joshua Cammidge was arrested at a Swindon address on 4 September by CTP officers, who were assisted by Wiltshire Police. A subsequent search was carried out at a second Swindon property, and Cammidge was detained again on 5 September.

Prosecutors allege that Cammidge received instructions from an individual believed to be linked to the Volunteer Corps, a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says the charges relate to “assisting a foreign intelligence service” contrary to Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023, and “preparatory conduct” under Section 18 of the same legislation.

In addition to the assistance charge, the CPS has indicated that Cammidge is accused of preparing an act of sabotage, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged conduct. The case is being pursued by the Special Crime and Counter‑Terrorism Division of the CPS, with Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the division, stating that sufficient evidence exists to bring the matter before a court and that it is in the public interest to proceed.

Cammidge is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he will be formally entered into the court record and a hearing on bail and further proceedings is expected. The court date follows his detention under the National Security Act, which allows for extended custody in cases involving national security concerns.

The investigation, led by CTP London, remains ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed further details about the nature of the alleged instructions or the specific sabotage plans. No additional individuals have been named in connection with the case at this stage.