Russia expels two British diplomats over espionage

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Mar 2025 16:26

The Russian Foreign Ministry, in coordination with other agencies, has revoked their accreditation and given them two weeks to leave the country.

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Alkesh Odedra and Michael Skinner were given two weeks to leave Russia (FSB)

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced the expulsion of two individuals linked to the British Embassy in Moscow, accusing them of espionage and activities that pose a threat to national security.

The individuals in question are Alkesh Odedra, who held the position of second secretary at the embassy, and Michael Skinner, the husband of Tabasum Rashid, a first secretary in the embassy’s political department.

According to the FSB, both Odedra and Skinner provided inaccurate details when applying for entry permits to Russia, violating local laws. The agency claimed to have uncovered evidence that the two were involved in intelligence operations and subversive activities.

"It has been reliably established that the second secretary of the Embassy, Alkesh Odedra, born on 12/25/1990, and Michael Skinner, born on 30/06/1992, the husband of the first secretary of the political department of the Embassy, Tabasum Rashid, who were sent to Moscow, intentionally provided false information when receiving permission to enter our country, which violated Russian law.

At the same time, the FSB of Russia revealed signs that these diplomats were carrying out intelligence and subversive work that threatens the security of the Russian Federation," the statement read.

In response to these findings, the Russian Foreign Ministry, in coordination with other agencies, has revoked their accreditation and given them two weeks to leave the country. The FSB further affirmed its commitment to counteracting foreign intelligence operations, stating, "The FSB of Russia will continue to work to counter the intelligence and subversive activities of foreign special services by all available methods."

Michael Skinner previously held a role at the UK's diplomatic mission to the European Union between January 2022 and November 2024 as first secretary. Before that, he worked at the UK Foreign Office, heading a department, and also spent time at HM Revenue and Customs in managerial roles. Additionally, his background includes participation in the European Fast Stream program, a career development initiative for individuals aiming to work in EU institutions.

This latest expulsion is part of a broader crackdown by Russian authorities on what they allege is a British intelligence network operating in Moscow. In September 2024, Russia removed six staff members from the British Embassy’s political department, citing intelligence-gathering and activities aimed at undermining the country. At the time, the FSB claimed to have obtained documents linking the UK government to actions intended to escalate military tensions. It specifically pointed to the UK Foreign Office’s Directorate for Eastern Europe and Central Asia as the central body behind these efforts. The agency asserted that the UK's objective was "to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia."

Another similar case emerged in November when the FSB accused Edward Pryor Wilkes, a second secretary at the British Embassy’s political department, of conducting intelligence and subversive activities. Authorities claimed he had submitted misleading information when applying to enter Russia.