MI5 has launched an investigation into a Russian lobbying campaign to infiltrate British politics that received advice and support from a senior Conservative MP. Ben Wallace, the security minister, has passed evidence to the intelligence services of an influence operation involving Sir Henry Bellingham, one of the prime minister’s official trade envoys. The lobbyists, whose ultimate source of funding is unclear, have been urging British authorities to take action against Alexander Shchukin, a Russian oligarch. He is under house arrest in Siberia over corruption charges, but a large part of his wealth is thought to remain in the UK. The Sunday Times has learnt that Bellingham gave his backing to the campaign, which was run by a Russian lawyer banned from practising in the UK,…

Source: The Times June 29, 2019 23:07 UTC