By Yanki Farber
Howard Phillips, a 65-year-old British Jew, was convicted in Winchester Court of aiding a foreign intelligence service. Phillips provided sensitive information to undercover officers posing as Russian agents, including the home address and private jet location of former minister and Jewish Member of Parliament Grant Shapps.
According to the indictment, Phillips met Shapps at a synagogue and later offered his services to the undercover officers, whom he referred to as “Dima” and “Sasha.” He claimed his motive was to make easy money. He was arrested in May 2024 and charged under the UK’s National Security Act. The jury unanimously convicted him after four hours of deliberation.
Phillips testified that he approached the Russian embassy in early 2024, claiming he had relevant information. When asked why he did so, he replied: “I wanted to track Russian agents because of global events — particularly the war between Israel and Gaza and the war between Russia and Ukraine.”
His ex-wife, Amanda Phillips, testified during the trial that her former husband was “obsessed with espionage,” watched MI5 and MI6 films, and “imagined himself as James Bond.” She said that in October 2023, he even tried to get a job at border crossings as part of his effort to become involved in intelligence activities.
Shapps, the subject of the leaked information, previously served as the UK’s Secretary of Transport, Home Secretary, and Secretary of Defense. He is Jewish, married to Belinda Goldstone, and the couple observes traditional practices including keeping kosher.
Judge Cheema-Grubb ordered Phillips to remain in custody until the proceedings are complete. Sentencing is expected this fall.
Chief Inspector Helen Flanagan, head of operations at the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, said after the conviction:
“Phillips saw this as an easy way to make money. His conviction serves as a warning to anyone who thinks illegal activity on behalf of a foreign state will go unnoticed. We will find, investigate, and prosecute anyone involved.”
