Counter-terror police probe Latvian men’s entry into RAF Molesworth
Two Latvian men were arrested after allegedly entering RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire through a hole in its perimeter fence. Counter Terrorism Policing is investigating whether their presence was linked to Russia or another hostile state, but says it is keeping an open mind; the incident raises concerns about security at a base used for US and Nato intelligence work.
The men, aged 36 and 32, were found on the site after security patrols spotted an abandoned vehicle nearby on Wednesday evening. They were later arrested under the National Security Act 2023 on suspicion of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. Explosive ordnance officers found nothing suspicious in the vehicle, and police say the case is not linked to the separate RAF Fairford investigation.
- Two Latvian men were arrested after a breach at RAF Molesworth.
- Police are examining possible motives, including links to a hostile state.
- Officers found no suspicious material in an abandoned vehicle.
New here? Start with this
RAF Molesworth is a British military airbase in Cambridgeshire that hosts NATO and American intelligence operations. Two Latvian men were discovered on the site after breaching the perimeter fence on Wednesday evening, prompting a counter-terrorism police investigation.
The men, aged 36 and 32, were arrested under the National Security Act 2023 on suspicion of unlawfully entering a restricted military installation. Police are investigating whether their presence was connected to Russia or another hostile state, though they say they are keeping an open mind about the motive.
The incident has prompted concerns about security at one of Britain's most sensitive military bases. Although police found nothing suspicious in an abandoned vehicle nearby, the breach through the perimeter fence has highlighted potential weaknesses in the installation's defences.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
This successful breach of a critical NATO and US intelligence facility represents a significant security vulnerability demanding serious attention. Foreign nationals penetrated the perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth, demonstrating concerning deficiencies in base security and raising legitimate questions about whether this might represent reconnaissance or a probe by a hostile state actor. Given current geopolitical tensions with Russia and the strategic importance of the installation, investigating potential links to state actors is essential and proportionate.
The case against
Whilst the perimeter breach warrants investigation, the evidence should guard against presuming hostile intent without foundation. No suspicious materials were found; the men presented no resistance when apprehended; and they are nationals of a NATO ally, not an adversary state. An impartial investigation should remain evidence-driven rather than proceeding from assumptions about espionage based on nationality or geopolitical concerns.
Americas Cybersecurity Europe Technology World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “Police are probing Russia link after two Latvian nationals ‘broke through perimeter fence’ at RAF base used by US military intelligence”.