My Commons aide isn't a Russian spy, says MP as 25-year-old woman is arrested on susp

[irishspirit]

My Commons aide isn't a Russian spy, says MP as 25-year-old woman is arrested on suspicion of espionage

An MP today denied his Russian assistant was a spy after security services arrested her on suspicion of espionage.

Home Secretary Theresa May had approved the removal of Katia Zatuliveter after being briefed by MI5 about her alleged activities, according to the Sunday Times.

Ms Zatuliveter, was working for Liberal Democrat MP Mike Hancock, who confirmed that she had been taken into detention and was fighting deportation from the UK.

The 25-year-old held a House of Commons pass and underwent security vetting before taking up her position.

She was reported to have been arrested by police and Border Agency officials last week and is understood to be being held at a secure facility awaiting deportation to Russia.

A source said: 'Her presence here is not considered conducive to national security. There was unhappiness about what she could have access to.

'The intention is to show her the door.'

The newspaper claimed that she was suspected of working for Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz17EHssHgn

[irishspirit]

William Hague has said the government is "vigilant" about the risk of foreign spies working in Whitehall.

It follows the arrest of a 25-year-old Russian who was working as a Parliamentary aide to MP Mike Hancock.

Mr Hague said he could not comment on that case, but there was nothing wrong with MPs employing foreign-born staff - many of whom did "outstanding" work.

However the foreign secretary said the government was vigilant and took action when it had concerns.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11929397