Man, 64, is charged with 'spying for Russia': Suspect accused of working for Moscow's intelligence services set to appear in court
A man from Essex was today charged with assisting Russia's intelligence service.
Howard Michael Phillips, 64, of Harlow, was charged today with an offence contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act - assisting a foreign intelligence service.
The Metropolitan Police said the country to which the charge relates is Russia.
Phillips was remanded in police custody and is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later this afternoon.
The Met 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.'
More to follow
