MI5 spy chief says Russia and Iran are behind a ‘staggering’ rise in deadly plots

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The head of MI5 says Britain is facing a staggering rise in attempts at assassination, sabotage and other crimes backed by Russia and Iran. Ken McCallum says hostile states are increasingly recruiting criminals to carry out plots. The head of the U.K.’s domestic intelligence agency said in a rare public speech on Tuesday that MI5 and police have tackled 20 Tehran-backed plots since 2022. He warned that Iran could expand its targets in the United Kingdom if Britain’s ally Israel attacks in response to Iran’s recent missile barrage. McCallum said Russia is trying to use arson and sabotage to create disorder on the streets of Britain and other European countries.