The rise of foreign state proxies: confronting the growing threat facing the UK

What starts as a message on Telegram can end with a tough prison sentence. Hostile foreign states are recruiting people online to commit serious crimes in the UK. Counter Terrorism Policing has uncovered cases where individuals were approached through encrypted messaging apps such as Telegram and Signal and persuaded to commit serious crimes for people they had never met. Instead of receiving what they thought would be easy money, many now face lengthy prison sentences. This documentary reveals how police are confronting one of the UK's fastest-growing national security threats: the use of so-called "proxies" by foreign intelligence services to conduct criminal activity on British soil. Featuring real investigative footage and insights from Counter Terrorism Policing operations, the film shows how police rapidly identified, tracked and arrested suspects – in some cases within just 24 hours – preventing further harm and securing convictions in court. Commander Helen Flanagan explains how hostile states are increasingly recruiting ordinary people online, offering financial incentives to carry out activities including: Surveillance and reconnaissance Intimidation and harassment Arson attacks Serious violence and attempted murder As a global city, London is often impacted by international events. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and wider conflicts in the Middle East have contributed to an increase in foreign state-linked activity targeting businesses, communities and individuals across the UK. The documentary examines major investigations resulting in criminal convictions, including: • The arson attack on an East London warehouse storing humanitarian aid and Starlink equipment destined for Ukraine. • The stabbing of an Iranian journalist in London, which a trial judge concluded was carried out in the interests of the Iranian state. • The convictions of men involved in arson attacks linked to properties associated with UK Prime. Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Under the National Security Act 2023, individuals acting on behalf of foreign states can face some of the most severe criminal penalties available under UK law. Watch to learn how foreign intelligence services recruit online, how Counter Terrorism Policing investigates these threats, and why accepting a seemingly minor criminal task can have life-changing consequences. 00:00 - The increase of proxies, what are they and how Counter Terrorism Policing resources are being deployed to tackle the threat 00:39 - The impact of world events in the rise of proxies in the UK 01:02 - How are individuals recruited, high risk work for little reward 01:48 - The arson attack on an East London warehouse storing humanitarian aid and Starlink equipment destined for Ukraine. 02:29 - The stabbing of an Iranian journalist in London, which a trial judge concluded was carried out in the interests of the Iranian state. 04:18 - The convictions of men involved in arson attacks linked to properties associated with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. 06:27 - The National Security Act of 2023, allowing for the handing out of significant sentences. 06:56 - The focus of Counter Terrorism Policing on the threat of proxies and its work with other agencies and partners. 07:30 - A message to those considering committing crime in the UK on behalf of proxies. 07:51 - A message of reassurance to the public.