Russia expelled a British diplomat over accusations of spying Monday. File Photo by Sergei Ilnitzky/EPA
Russia expelled a British diplomat, alleging that he engaged in espionage, on Monday.
Russia’s Federal Security Service said it found an “undeclared British intelligence presence” within the United Kingdom’s embassy in Moscow. It said Albertus Gerardus Janse van Rensburg gave false information to enter Russia and gather intelligence. Janse van Rensburg was identified by FSB.
“The competent Russian authorities have also obtained information indicating that this individual is affiliated with the U.K. intelligence services, and have identified signs of his involvement in intelligence and subversive activities on Russian territory,” an FSB press release said.
The FSB said it “has also documented attempts to obtain sensitive information during informal meetings with Russian economic experts.”
The diplomat was working as the second secretary at the embassy and was asked to leave Russia within two weeks.
The FSB said it “will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers on Russian territory,” and said it would “respond accordingly” if Britain took action against Russian diplomats.
A British Foreign Office spokesperson said the move was “complete nonsense” and accused Russia of an “aggressive and coordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats,” the BBC reported.
In a statement, the office said Russia has been “pumping out malicious and completely baseless accusations about their work.”
“The U.K. does not stand for intimidation of British embassy staff and their families,” it said.
Britain’s charge d’affaires Danae Dholakia was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, and she reportedly left without comment, the BBC said.
The two countries have been accusing each other of spying since Russia invaded Ukraine and diplomatic relations soured.
In January, Russia expelled a British diplomat, accusing him of spying for MI6. In March 2025, Moscow expelled two British officials after it accused them of spying.
Historic March moments through the years
Founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and tennis great Billie Jean King (C) smiles with representatives after speaking during an annual Women’s History Month event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX in Statuary Hall at the U.S .Capitol in Washington on March 9, 2022. Women’s History Month is celebrated every March. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
