Credit: Pxhere

A 57-year old man working in the UK embassy in Germany has been arrested over claims he has been spying for Russia.

The suspect, known as David S, was arrested by German authorities on Tuesday, according to an announcement made today by the German public prosecutor, and confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.

A statement from the prosecutor, reported by Sky News, said: "Until his arrest, David S worked as a local employee at the British Embassy in Berlin. On at least one occasion he forwarded documents obtained in the course of his professional activities to a representative of a Russian intelligence service. In return for providing information, the accused received cash in a previously unknown amount."

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It has been reported that David S is not a diplomat, but instead a so-called “local hire” brought in to work at the embassy.

In a statement, a UK government spokesperson said: "An individual who was contracted to work for the government was arrested yesterday by the German authorities. It would not be appropriate to comment further as there is an ongoing police investigation."

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest was made as part of a joint investigation between the Met's counter terrorism command, which is responsible for investigating alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act, and German counterparts.

“The man was arrested in the Berlin area on suspicion of committing offences relating to being engaged in ‘Intelligence Agent activity’ (under German law),” it said. “Primacy for the investigation remains with German authorities. Officers from the counter terrorism command continue to liaise with German counterparts as the investigation continues.”

David S is expected to appear at the Federal Court of Justice in Germany later.