HT to AOSHQA former British soldier has been arrested on suspicion of spying for the Russian intelligence services, it can be disclosed today. Peter Hill, a former Territorial Army trooper in the Royal Armoured Corps, was detained under the Official Secrets Act, for allegedly attempting to sell classified military documents to the Russians. He was arrested following a Metropolitan Police "sting" in which an undercover officer was understood to have posed as a Kremlin agent.
Hill, 23, described as an "opportunist", is understood to have been under surveillance for some time and was arrested in Leeds last Wednesday evening, within minutes of the alleged exchange taking place. It is understood the alleged security breach was from a Government establishment and not from a commercial military supplier or manufacturer. The documents he is alleged to have tried to leak concern sensitive military information.
The former trooper comes from Colne, in Lancashire but lives and works in Skipton, North Yorkshire, where a residential and business premises has been searched as part of the police operation. Hill, who is understood to have recently been working as a bailiff, was questioned at a police station in Leeds.
He was also arrested under the Explosive Substances Act after the discovery of suspicious material during the searches. The material is understood to be related to his service with the Territorials and has nothing to do with his alleged spying.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that MI5 now believes there are 30 intelligence officers working "under cover" in the Russian embassy who are trying to steal Britain's military and political secrets.