British Citizen Convicted for Alleged Espionage Attempt Against UK Officials

British Howard Michael Phillips was sentenced to seven years in prison after a court found him guilty of allegedly attempting to assist Russian intelligence services, Sky News reported on November 7. According to the investigation, the 65-year-old Briton claimed he offered to provide Russian intelligence with personal information about Grant Shapps, the former head of the UK’s Ministry of Defense. However, the individuals he contacted were British undercover police officers. Phillips reportedly promised to share Shapps’ phone number and private jet details in exchange for payment. During his trial, he stated he acted in Israel’s interest, claiming he sought to expose Russian intelligence by gathering data on Shapps. He also alleged he sent letters to the embassies of Russia, Iran, and China in London offering cooperation. “You were ready to betray your country for money,” said Winchester City Judge Bobby Cima-Grubb, who sentenced Phillips.