A Swindon man accused of preparing to sabotage warfare drone factories on behalf of Russian intelligence services has been remanded in custody.
Joshua Cammidge, 31, is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and intending to commit or prepare an act of sabotage.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard today (Thursday) that he allegedly researched four drone manufacturing sites in Swindon and carried out reconnaissance.
Prosecutors claim Cammidge sent Google Maps screenshots showing the addresses of the sites to Aiden Minnis, a Chippenham man fighting for Russia against Ukraine.
Minnis, also known as Aiden Crewe, previously claimed he was awarded Russia’s Suvorov medal for his actions in the conflict.
The 38-year-old also made headlines in 2025 after filming himself burning his British passport, swearing at Great Britain and firing a gun into the air.
In February this year, Minnis was feared dead after reportedly going missing while fighting in Ukraine. However, the court heard Cammidge was communicating with him between 28 August and 3 September.
Cammidge is accused of providing information to the GRU Volunteer Corps about activity at one Swindon factory and offering to carry out sabotage himself.
Prosecutor Warren Stanier said: “The prosecution say the essence of communications was locations within the UK of factories that manufactured drones and the sabotage of those factories.
“The prosecution case is he knew exactly who he was communicating with and the implications of what he was offering to do.”
Cammidge was arrested following a raid on his home in Galsworthy Close, Swindon by Counter Terrorism Policing London officers, supported by Wiltshire Police, on 5 September.
He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at the Old Bailey on Friday 25 September.
Frank Ferguson, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “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.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: “The police have taken action against a potential threat, and I thank them for the vital work they do every day to keep us safe.
“Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specifics of this case, I know people will be concerned about recent incidents across Europe, intended to sow fear, create disruption and undermine support for Ukraine.
“They will not succeed.”
