A former Ukrainian counterintelligence chief was sentenced to 12 years in prison today for passing secrets to Moscow. The conviction is being hailed by MI5 as a warning to Kremlin assets operating inside allied governments. Sources familiar with the case confirm that the official had access to sensitive information regarding Ukraine's energy infrastructure and Western military supply routes.
The sentence closes a two-year investigation that exposed a network of agents working for Russia's FSB. The judge described the betrayal as 'a breach of trust at the highest level.' MI5's statement called it 'a landmark case in counter-espionage operations against Russian intelligence.
' The official, whose name is withheld, pleaded guilty to charges of treason and espionage. Uncovered documents reveal payments totalling £2.3 million were funnelled through shell companies in Cyprus and the Cayman Islands.
The case has reignited scrutiny over Moscow's ability to infiltrate allied security services. One investigator told this newsroom: 'We've only seen the tip of the iceberg. There are more to come.
' The Home Office has declined to comment on ongoing operations.
