Moscow, Russia (Agencies): The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Tuesday the expulsion of Wilks Edward Prior, a second secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow, over espionage allegations. The FSB claimed that Prior, who was sent to Moscow as a replacement for one of six British diplomats expelled in August, made false statements when applying for a visa, violating Russian law.
The FSB also found evidence of Prior engaging in intelligence and sabotage activities that threaten Russia’s security. The Russian Foreign Ministry and other government bodies supported the decision to revoke Prior’s diplomatic credentials and order him to leave the country within two weeks.
The British Foreign Office and the Russian Foreign Ministry have yet to comment on the announcement. Following the FSB statement, Russian media reported seeing an Embassy car driving towards the Foreign Ministry building, with Ambassador Nigel Casey believed to have been summoned to be formally notified about the development.