Man Jailed 7 Years for Selling UK Minister's Data to Russia

A 66-year-old man from Harlow, Essex, was sentenced to seven years in prison on Friday after attempting to assist Russian intelligence by providing sensitive personal information about former UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps to undercover British officers posing as foreign agents.

Howard Phillips was convicted in July at Winchester Crown Court of offenses under the National Security Act for actions spanning late 2023 to May 2024. Prosecutors described how Phillips, who had known Shapps as his local MP, initiated contact with the individuals he believed to be Russian operatives, known as Sasha and Dima, through emails and social media messages. He met them several times, expressing eagerness to help in exchange for payment.

During these encounters, Phillips handed over a USB drive containing details about Shapps, including his home address, phone number and the location of his private plane. He also offered logistical support, such as arranging travel and hotel bookings, and mentioned his recent application for a job at the UK Border Force, which involved seeking Home Office security clearance. In one document, Phillips portrayed himself as someone who could move undetected and...