Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that it had detained an unidentified person who had previously worked as a guard at the British Embassy in Moscow. The service alleged that the suspect had collected sensitive information about British diplomats on behalf of Ukraine.
Alleged Ukrainian connection
According to the FSB, Ukrainian intelligence services intended to use the information in an attack targeting British diplomatic personnel and designed to be blamed on Russia. The service claimed that the plan aimed to draw the United Kingdom into a direct military confrontation with Russia and prompt London to increase its military assistance to Ukraine.
Russian authorities alleged that the former guard had collected diplomats’ personal information and photographs, as well as data on their home addresses, vehicles, routes, security systems and the embassy’s internal work schedules.
Treason charge
The FSB said the suspect had been sent to a detention facility pending trial. A treason case has been opened against him, and he is being held in custody pending trial.
It said the maximum sentence under the charge is life imprisonment for men and 20 years in prison for women.
The FSB regularly announces treason cases against people accused of working for Ukraine in Russia, particularly since the war began in 2022.