Britain's spy chiefs launched 'Operation Wedlock,' a highly sensitive and extensive investigation lasting up to 20 years (from the mid-1990s to at least 2015), to find a suspected Russian double agent within MI6. The tip-off came from the CIA, but MI5, which led the operation, could not conclusively prove the existence of a mole, raising concerns that a spy may have evaded detection. The operation involved a large surveillance team, covert entries, and international travel, highlighting the extreme measures taken due to fears of 'another Philby.'
UK launched huge operation to find suspected Russian double agent in MI6
MI6UK security and counter-terrorismUKEspionageRussiaWorldEurope
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Britain's spy chiefs launched 'Operation Wedlock,' a highly sensitive and extensive investigation lasting up to 20 years (from the mid-1990s to at least 2015), to find a suspected Russian double agent within MI6. The tip-off came from the CIA, but MI5, which led the operation, could not conclusively prove the existence of a mole, raising concerns that a spy may have evaded detection. The operation involved a large surveillance team, covert entries, and international travel, highlighting the extreme measures taken due to fears of 'another Philby.'
Trending- 1 Mid-to-late 1990s: Operation Wedlock began after the CIA told British intelligence about its concerns
- 2 Until at least 2015: Operation Wedlock continued
- 3 During part of the investigation: Russia’s secret intelligence service, the FSB, was being run by Vladimir Putin
- Uncertainty whether a Russian mole got away with spying within British intelligence
- Significant financial cost, making it one of the most expensive operations in recent memory
- Raised concerns about potential damage to national security if a mole existed and was not caught
- Highlighted the extraordinary nature of one UK intelligence agency spying on another
What: A massive, decades-long investigation (Operation Wedlock) by MI5 to uncover a suspected Russian double agent within MI6.
When: Mid-to-late 1990s to at least 2015 (up to 20 years).
Where: United Kingdom (London, Thames House, Westminster, Vauxhall, Wandsworth), Middle East, Europe, Asia, Russia (FSB).
Why: Fears of a senior MI6 officer being a Russian double agent ('another Philby') and leaking highly sensitive information, prompted by a tip-off from the CIA.
How: MI5 deployed a team of up to 35 officers, conducted extensive surveillance (including covert entry and planting listening and video devices in the target's home and car), tracked movements abroad, and operated from a fake security business in Wandsworth.