A Swindon man has been charged with National Security Act offences after allegedly receiving instructions from an individual linked to Russian military intelligence.
Joshua Cammidge, 31, is accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparing to commit an act of sabotage.
The suspect, of Galworthy Close, Liden, was charged following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London. His home in Swindon was raided by police on Friday (4 September).
The Crown Prosecution Service said Cammidge allegedly communicated with and received instructions from an individual linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps.
The organisation is described by the CPS as a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency.
Cammidge has been charged with engaging in conduct to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities, contrary to section 3(1) of the National Security Act 2023.
He is also charged with intending to commit an act of sabotage and engaging in conduct in preparation for the commission of such an act, contrary to section 18(1) of the same legislation.
Frank Ferguson, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Joshua Cammidge with National Security Act offences following a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation.
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
“We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”
Cammidge is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 10 September.
