The Metropolitan Police have announced the arrest of three men in London on charges related to aiding Russia’s foreign intelligence service.

The individuals, aged 48, 45, and 44, were taken into custody at various locations in west and central London. Investigators are continuing to search these sites as well as an additional location in west London.

The arrests were made under suspicion of aiding a foreign intelligence agency, specifically Russia, in accordance with section 3 of the National Security Act (NSA) 2023. This action is part of an ongoing inquiry into potential violations of the act by counter-terrorism police.

These arrests occur amid efforts by law enforcement to address the rising trend of individuals, referred to as “proxies,” being recruited by foreign intelligence agencies, according to police statements.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads Counter Terrorism Policing in London, remarked on the growing number of such incidents.

“Individuals who may be approached and lured into engaging in illegal activities on behalf of a foreign nation in the UK should reconsider their decisions,” he emphasized.

“Such activities will be thoroughly investigated, and anyone found guilty will face prosecution, likely leading to severe repercussions for those convicted.”