Overview
- He was convicted under the National Security Act 2023 of engaging in conduct to assist a foreign intelligence service and sentenced at Winchester Crown Court.
- Phillips believed he was dealing with Russian operatives known as Dima and Sasha, who were in fact undercover British officers.
- Jurors heard he handed over a USB with details about Sir Grant Shapps, including his home address and the location of his private plane, and pitched a paid “concierge” service.
- Counter-terrorism officers arrested him in May 2024 after meetings in London and West Thurrock, during a period when he was seeking a UK Border Force job and security clearance.
- The judge said he was motivated by money rather than ideology, while Shapps described a breach of trust and officials hailed the case as a deterrent to assistance for hostile states.