Moscow, September 11, 2026: Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained a former security guard who worked at the British Embassy in Moscow, accusing him of collecting sensitive information for Ukraine’s intelligence service.

The FSB said the Russian citizen, born in 1981, allegedly gathered information about British diplomatic personnel, including their personal details, addresses and vehicles, and passed the information to contacts allegedly linked to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).

Alleged Plot Against British Diplomats

According to the FSB, the suspect was allegedly acting on instructions from a Ukrainian blogger and collecting information about the movements and security arrangements of British diplomats.

Russian authorities claim the information was intended to facilitate possible acts of sabotage or attacks against the British ambassador and other diplomatic personnel. The FSB further alleged that such an operation could have been designed to make Russia appear responsible and increase tensions between Moscow and London.

Treason Case Opened

Russian authorities said a criminal case has been opened against the man on suspicion of high treason. Reports say he has been placed in pre-trial detention.

The FSB released footage connected with the detention and its allegations, but independent reporting has noted that the Russian agency has not publicly provided independently verifiable evidence establishing the alleged Ukrainian-directed plot.

Britain and Ukraine Question Allegations

The allegations have emerged amid heightened tensions between Russia, Britain and Ukraine.

A British diplomatic spokesperson said the embassy does not comment on security matters. Ukrainian authorities have also rejected the Russian narrative, with Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation describing the FSB claims as part of an alleged information operation.

The case is therefore developing against a highly sensitive geopolitical background, and the allegations made by Russian authorities should be treated as claims that have not been independently established.

Investigation Continues

Russian investigators are expected to examine the suspect’s alleged contacts, communications and activities while determining whether anyone else was involved.

The detention comes only a day after British authorities announced charges against a separate British man accused of assisting a Russia-linked intelligence organization in an alleged plan involving UK drone-manufacturing sites.