Hotels have ears, Britons abroad warned

Last updated at 10:09 17 June 2005


Britons travelling abroad are being warned by MI5 of the continuing threat of falling foul of foreign spies.

On its website, MI5 spells out the fact that the spying threat did not end with the collapse of Soviet communism in the early 1990s and that "espionage against UK interests continues from many quarters".

The 21st century world of spying involved use of new communication technology and the UK is "a high priority espionage target".

Those Britons going abroad should be careful of how they conduct themselves as in some countries hotel staff and taxi drivers may be required to report the activity of foreign visitors to the local security service, MI5 says.

The website added: "Lavish hospitality, flattery and the 'red carpet' treatment are used by some intelligence services to soften up a target for recruitment who may then feel obliged to co-operate rather than offend the hosts."

UK tourists, diplomats and business executives are warned that even on their return to Britain they could be targeted. They are warned by MI5 to beware unexpected emails from the contacts in the foreign country and to be wary of "requests to meet in hotels, bars and restaurants".

The MI5 advice concludes: "We estimate that at least 20 foreign intelligence services are operating to some degree against UK interests.

"Of greatest concern are the Russians and Chinese. The number of Russian intelligence officers in London has not fallen since Soviet times."

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