MI5 Chief Warns of Rising Threats from Russian and Iranian Intelligence Activities
In a significant annual security briefing, Ken McCallum, the head of MI5, revealed that Russia’s intelligence agency, the GRU, is actively orchestrating “sustained mayhem on British and European streets.” This alarming statement comes in the wake of increased tensions following the UK’s support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
McCallum emphasized that the GRU has engaged in “arson, sabotage, and increasingly reckless actions” on British soil, marking a worrying escalation in state-sponsored threats. Additionally, he highlighted MI5’s response to over 20 plots linked to Iran since 2022, although he noted that the majority of MI5’s counter-terrorism efforts still focus on Islamist extremism, followed by extreme right-wing terrorism.
Complex Security Landscape
In his detailed address, McCallum painted a picture of a complex and evolving security landscape. He reported that the number of investigations into state-sponsored threats has surged by 48%, indicating a growing concern for national security. Notably, he pointed out that MI5 has thwarted 43 late-stage plots involving firearms and explosives intended for mass murder since 2017.
The increasing allure of online extremism among youth is particularly troubling, with 13% of individuals investigated for terrorism being under the age of 18. This is a threefold increase in just three years. McCallum underscored the urgent need to address the rise of “poisonous online extremism,” particularly among young people influenced by propaganda from extreme right-wing groups that adeptly exploit online culture.
Russian Aggression and Intelligence Operations
McCallum’s comments highlight the direct impact of the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine, stating that “we loom large in the fevered imagination of Putin’s regime.” He cautioned that further acts of aggression against the UK should be anticipated. Since the invasion of Ukraine, over 750 Russian diplomats have been expelled from Europe, the majority of whom were identified as spies. This mass expulsion has significantly hampered the capabilities of Russian intelligence agencies, forcing them to rely on proxies, including private intelligence operatives and criminal networks, which often compromise the professionalism of their operations.
Iranian Threats Intensify
Turning his focus to Iran, McCallum noted the escalation of Iranian state-backed plots within the UK, particularly since the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. He revealed that MI5 has responded to 20 Iranian-backed threats that posed potentially lethal risks to British citizens and residents. This increase in plots underscores Iran’s unabated activity in the UK despite the risks of detection.
Online Radicalization of Youth
McCallum stressed that the internet plays a pivotal role in radicalizing young individuals, with a high proportion of threats emerging from “lone individuals indoctrinated online.” He noted that many of these cases are fueled by easily accessible extremist material, and sorting genuine threats from mere online chatter is a formidable challenge for security services.
In a recent report, the Home Office revealed that out of 242 individuals detained on suspicion of terror-related offenses in the past year, 17% (or 40 individuals) were aged 17 and under, further illustrating the concerning trend of youth involvement in extremist activities.
Reassurance from Security Leaders
In response to the serious findings presented by McCallum, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the importance of the report and reassured the public about the capabilities of the UK’s security services, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining safety and security across the nation.
