• Three individuals arrested in the UK for assisting Russian intelligence.
• The arrests underscore rising espionage threats against NATO allies.
• Police cite increasing use of 'proxies' by foreign intelligence services.

On September 17, British police arrested three individuals in Essex on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence services. This comes amid ongoing concerns over espionage activities related to Russia in Europe. The suspects include two men aged 41 and 46, and a 35-year-old woman, all facing charges under the National Security Act for assisting a foreign intelligence service, as indicated by London's Metropolitan Police, according to Reuters and aa.

The arrests coincide with heightened awareness among NATO allies regarding Russian espionage, particularly related to the war in Ukraine. Commander Dominic Murphy of the Counter Terrorism Command stated that there is a notable increase in "proxies" being recruited by foreign intelligence services, enhancing the potential for sabotage and espionage operations across Europe. This trend is part of a broader concern, as seen by simultaneous discoveries of sabotage plots in Lithuania and Latvia, highlighting a coordinated effort by Russia, according to Newsweek and Al Jazeera.

The UK has faced several incidents of espionage tied to Russian operatives in recent years, including a previous conviction of individuals involved in arson at Ukraine-associated businesses linked to the Wagner Group. The recent arrests are said to follow a similar investigation concerning collaboration with Russian intelligence. Despite these accusations, the Kremlin denies involvement, asserting that Russia is routinely blamed for various issues in the UK, which they attribute to Western nations, according to aa and Al Jazeera.