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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Geneva Abdul

UK embassy worker accused of spying had pro-Putin views, court told

David Ballantyne Smith United Kingdom Alison Morgan KC Old Bailey
David Ballantyne Smith
David Ballantyne Smith claims he was motivated by a grievance with his employers while he had mental health issues. Photograph: PA

A security guard spying for Russia while working at the British embassy in Berlin was driven by an intense hatred for his own country and pro-Putin views, a UK court has heard.

David Ballantyne Smith pleaded guilty to eight charges under the Official Secrets Act in November 2022 for sharing confidential and sensitive material.

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