A man from Britain who “dreamt about being like James Bond” was convicted of attempting to spy for what he thought were Russian intelligence officers.(A British guy who attempted to spy for Russia)
Harlow, Essex resident Howard Phillips wants to provide private information on Sir Grant Shapps, the former defense secretary. When Winchester Crown Court learned that the two agents, Sasha and Dima, were actually British intelligence undercover, the 65-year-old volunteered to assist them.
Phillips, who was convicted guilty of supporting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act, will be punished at a later date.
After four hours and four minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous decision, and he shook his head sadly in the dock.
Amanda Phillips, the defendant’s ex-wife, testified during the trial that he “would dream about being like James Bond” and that he was “infatuated with it” after watching movies about MI5 and MI6.
Prosecutors said that Phillips’ October 2023 application for a position with the UK Border Force was a part of his attempt to help Russia.
After claiming to be “semi-retired but with connections in high places” on WhatsApp, Phillips met with the agents on May 9, 2024, in London and at the Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock, Essex.
A British guy who attempted to spy for Russia
He requested that they refer to Moscow as “mother” rather than “Moscow” during one meeting, and he expressed his hope that Mother would express her “full appreciation” for his efforts.
The defendant also disclosed that Sir Grant, the UK secretary of defense at the time, had given him his home address.
He left the agents a USB on a bike close to London’s St Pancras and Euston stations a month earlier, according to the prosecution.(A British guy who attempted to spy for Russia)
The jury were presented with a document from Phillips that stated he would be “invaluable” to a foreign power, with “100% loyalty and dedication.”
Phillips was detained by plain-clothed officers on 16 May 2024 after meeting with Sasha outside King’s Cross station.
Phillips, according to Bethan David, head of the counterterrorism division of the Crown Prosecution Service, “clearly outlined the services he was willing to provide for a hostile state.”
She went on to say: “Phillips was blatant in his quest for money and unconcerned about the possible harm to his own nation, from landing a job in the civil service to requesting for security clearance.
“We will always seek to prosecute anyone who poses a threat to the UK.”
Phillips was remanded pending sentencing at the “earliest available date” in the fall by Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis praised the UK’s “world class law enforcement” for their efforts in response to Phillips’ conviction.
