Man, 64, charged with helping Russian spies, Met police say

A man has been charged with assisting Russia’s intelligence service, the Metropolitan Police said.

Howard Michael Phillips, 64, was charged on Thursday with an offence contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act – assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Scotland Yard said the country to which the charge relates is Russia.

Phillips, of Harlow, in Essex, is expected to appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later on Thursday.

A police spokesman said: “As part of the investigation, which is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, officers also searched an address in the Hertfordshire area and an address in the Essex area. Both searches are now complete.

“The arrest is not connected to any other recent charges or investigations linked to NSA offences, and there is not believed to be any threat to the wider public in connection with this matter.”

Phillips was arrested in central London on May 16 under section 27 of the new National Security Act (NSA), 2023.

A warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates' Court meaning he could be detained up until May 23.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, he was charged.