Mi5 Accuses Russia of Creating ‘mayhem on the streets’
The leader of Britain’s Security Service asserts that Moscow is employing proxies to instigate disorder in the UK due to London’s support for Ukraine. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Britain's security chief has called for increased powers and funding to combat "foreign threats."
The head of the British Security Service, Ken McCallum, has asserted that British support for Ukraine has made London a target for Moscow's spies.
In an annual address focused on the threats facing the UK, McCallum identified Russia as the foremost threat, following terrorism and ranking above Iran and China. He emphasized the need for additional funds and raised concerns about dangers posed by the internet.
"The UK’s leading role in supporting Ukraine means we loom large in the fevered imagination of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s regime, and we should expect to see continued acts of aggression here at home," McCallum stated on Tuesday.
He further warned that "The GRU in particular is on a sustained mission to generate mayhem on British and European streets: we’ve seen arson, sabotage and more," using the abbreviation for Russia's military intelligence agency.
According to McCallum, this "concerted campaign" necessitates "a strong and sustained response," which includes utilizing the new National Security Act to its "fullest extent."
McCallum played a significant role in advocating for the 2023 legislation, which provided Britain's security and intelligence agencies with extensive new powers to address alleged "malign activity undertaken by foreign actors," such as espionage, sabotage, and attempts to interfere in UK politics.
Britain's Security Service, commonly known as MI5, operates alongside the external Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, both of which trace their origins to the Secret Service Bureau established in 1909.
In his speech, McCallum reiterated that "autocratic regimes" are targeting the UK’s "democracy, journalists and defenders of human rights," as well as sensitive governmental information.
He noted that the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats that began in 2022 was unprecedented and “put a big dent in the Russian intelligence services’ ability to cause damage in the West,” but claimed that Moscow has responded by recruiting proxies online.
McCallum took the opportunity to once again advocate for "the ability to track the online activity of those who mean us harm," describing this as "utterly crucial."
"Privacy and exceptional lawful access can coexist if absolutist positions are avoided," he said, cautioning that the alternative would be "allowing child abusers and terrorists to operate at scale, without fear of consequences."
Earlier this year, former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace remarked that Russia was responsible for "disinformation campaigns," with adversaries in the UK using cyber capabilities to sow division, steal resources, conduct espionage, and foster societal tensions. His statements followed a police operation that dismantled an online scamming ring targeting the elderly, which was not linked to Russia.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
The head of the British Security Service, Ken McCallum, has asserted that British support for Ukraine has made London a target for Moscow's spies.
In an annual address focused on the threats facing the UK, McCallum identified Russia as the foremost threat, following terrorism and ranking above Iran and China. He emphasized the need for additional funds and raised concerns about dangers posed by the internet.
"The UK’s leading role in supporting Ukraine means we loom large in the fevered imagination of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s regime, and we should expect to see continued acts of aggression here at home," McCallum stated on Tuesday.
He further warned that "The GRU in particular is on a sustained mission to generate mayhem on British and European streets: we’ve seen arson, sabotage and more," using the abbreviation for Russia's military intelligence agency.
According to McCallum, this "concerted campaign" necessitates "a strong and sustained response," which includes utilizing the new National Security Act to its "fullest extent."
McCallum played a significant role in advocating for the 2023 legislation, which provided Britain's security and intelligence agencies with extensive new powers to address alleged "malign activity undertaken by foreign actors," such as espionage, sabotage, and attempts to interfere in UK politics.
Britain's Security Service, commonly known as MI5, operates alongside the external Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, both of which trace their origins to the Secret Service Bureau established in 1909.
In his speech, McCallum reiterated that "autocratic regimes" are targeting the UK’s "democracy, journalists and defenders of human rights," as well as sensitive governmental information.
He noted that the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats that began in 2022 was unprecedented and “put a big dent in the Russian intelligence services’ ability to cause damage in the West,” but claimed that Moscow has responded by recruiting proxies online.
McCallum took the opportunity to once again advocate for "the ability to track the online activity of those who mean us harm," describing this as "utterly crucial."
"Privacy and exceptional lawful access can coexist if absolutist positions are avoided," he said, cautioning that the alternative would be "allowing child abusers and terrorists to operate at scale, without fear of consequences."
Earlier this year, former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace remarked that Russia was responsible for "disinformation campaigns," with adversaries in the UK using cyber capabilities to sow division, steal resources, conduct espionage, and foster societal tensions. His statements followed a police operation that dismantled an online scamming ring targeting the elderly, which was not linked to Russia.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
