On November 26, the British Ambassador to Moscow N. Casey was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and strongly protested against the information that E. Wilkes, the second secretary of the British Embassy, had knowingly provided false information about himself when obtaining a permit to enter our country. Thus, he violated paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Federal Law “On the order of departure from the Russian Federation and entry into the Russian Federation” of 15.08.1996 № 114-FZ, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

“At the same time, the Russian competent authorities have received information confirming that the said employee belongs to the intelligence services of Great Britain and revealed signs of his intelligence and subversive work on the territory of our country.

In connection with the violation of Russian legislation and in accordance with Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, the British side was informed about the withdrawal of E. Wilkes' accreditation.

In view of the discovery of the fact that British diplomats had knowingly submitted false information, the requirements for the completion of questionnaires by British embassy staff will be tightened.

The Russian side strongly recommends that British citizens only provide reliable information about their past when submitting visa applications.

The British Ambassador was again emphasized that Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers on Russian territory. An uncompromising line on this issue will be formulated in accordance with the national security interests of the Russian Federation. In addition, if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will immediately give a “mirror” response,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.