British embassy security guard denies copying secret documents and spying on them for Russia

A security guard at the UK embassy yesterday denied copying classified documents and spying on colleagues for Russia.

David Smith was working in Berlin when he attempted to provide details to a Moscow military attacheheard a court.

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He was arrested at home in Potsdam, Germany, and extradited to London on Wednesday, where he faced nine charges under the Official Secrets Act.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told that Smith, 57, had “attempted to communicate with Major General of the Russian Embassy Sergey Chukhurov”.

He is accused of trying to send a letter containing “details of the activities, identities, addresses and telephone numbers of various members of Her Majesty’s public service”.

Smith also allegedly collected classified material, including unauthorized copies of documents, SIM card packaging and CCTV footage.

He is said to have been “approached by a person you took to be a member of the Russian Military Intelligence Service (GRU)” on August 9 last year when he was allegedly “passing information, namely on the building repairs, to the British Embassy in Berlin”.

At the 15-minute hearing, prosecutor Louise Gray said, “There are nine counts, all of which carry a maximum sentence of 14 years.”

Smith denies the allegations. He was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.