MI5 caught bugging London embassy

Breaking news from the Sunday Times of London (shorter version not requiring registration for non-UK readers here:

A former MI5 agent has exposed a bungled attempt by the security service to bug the London embassy of one of Britain’s key allies in the war on terror. MI5 infiltrated the embassy, stole codes used by embassy staff for sending secret messages and planned to plant listening devices and remove documents.

The spying operation took place under the cover of restoration work that was carried out at the embassy last year. . .

The Official Secrets Act prevents The Sunday Times from identifying the country concerned, but its leader has visited Tony Blair in Downing Street and Britain has declared it a staunch ally.

There are some pretty serious charges of bungling and incompetence by MI5 (more here); that this is appearing in the Sunday Times, however, really says it all.

UPDATE: The embassy was that of Pakistan. The whistle-blower is now reportedly on the run, and may reveal more. . .

Posted by David on November 2, 2003 11:17 AM