In Britain, former Army trooper suspected of spying for Russia

In November 2007 a risk analyst Peter Hill, 23, a former Territorial Army trooper in the Royal Armoured Corps, was arrested in Leeds on suspicion of passing sensitive military information to the Russians, following a sting operation by MI5 and the Metropolitan Police.

In January 2008 it became known that Hill will not face charges under the Official Secrets Act. Police confirmed the former Park High School prefect and Clitheroe Royal Grammar Scvhool pupil, who stood for election in Colne's Waterside ward in 2006, will not be charged under section one of the 1911 Official Secrets Act, which involves spying.

Hill remained on bail after being charged under the Explosive Substances Act after police allegedly found a bomb-making kit at his home in Lambert Street, Skipton, where he had just moved from Colne. He initially came to the attention of MI5 after contacting the Russian Embassy with the alleged aim of passing information relating to his involvement with the military. It remains unknown whether MI5 intercepted the contact with the embassy through phone or email surveillance or a "mole".

The revelation that security services had picked up the communication provoked a strong response from Russian officials who hotly disputed the embassy had been contacted by Hill.

The arrest came shortly after a warning from Jonathan Evans, head of MI5, of the espionage threat posed by the Russian intelligence services. British security services believe up to 30 Russian spies are working undercover at the embassy in London.

Agentura.Ru, March 16, 2011