Who Is Joshua Cammidge? Brit Charged Over Alleged Russia-Linked Plot to Sabotage UK Drone Factory

A British man has been charged with national security offences after allegedly offering to sabotage a drone factory while communicating with someone believed to be linked to Russian military intelligence.

Joshua Cammidge, 31, from Swindon, is accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparing an act of sabotage.

Prosecutors allege that he exchanged information with a suspected representative of the GRU Volunteer Corps, an organisation the UK Government says is controlled by Russia's military intelligence service.

Cammidge has not entered a plea. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.

Who Is Joshua Cammidge?

Cammidge is a British national from Swindon, Wiltshire. Authorities have released little additional verified information about his background, occupation or personal life.

The Crown Prosecution Service said he was born on 13 January 1995 and was 31 when the charges were announced.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 10 September 2026. No plea was entered, and he was remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at the Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey, on 25 September.

What Is Cammidge Accused Of?

Cammidge faces two charges under the National Security Act 2023.

The first alleges that he engaged in conduct intended to materially assist a foreign intelligence service with UK-related activities, contrary to Section 3 of the Act.

The second alleges that he engaged in preparatory conduct while intending to commit an act of sabotage, contrary to Section 18.

Prosecutors told Westminster Magistrates' Court that the case concerns alleged communications about factories manufacturing drones in the UK and the possible sabotage of those facilities.

Cammidge allegedly provided information about four drone-manufacturing sites in Swindon, including screenshots showing their locations. He is also accused of conducting reconnaissance, researching a Wi-Fi-jamming device and volunteering to carry out sabotage.

The alleged conduct occurred between 27 March and 5 September 2026, according to the charges presented in court.

There is no suggestion that any factory was successfully sabotaged.

How Was Joshua Cammidge Arrested?

Counter Terrorism Policing London officers arrested Cammidge at an address in Swindon on Friday, 4 September, with assistance from Wiltshire Police. He was taken to a London police station while officers searched another address in Swindon. On 5 September, he was further arrested and detained on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Following additional enquiries, the CPS authorised the two charges. The Metropolitan Police announced them on 9 September.

What Is the GRU Volunteer Corps?

The GRU Volunteer Corps is an organisation that the UK Government says forms part of a network of volunteer and proxy groups directed and controlled by Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate, commonly known as the GRU.

The GRU operates under Russia's Ministry of Defence and is responsible for military intelligence.

On 17 July 2026, the Government formally designated the GRU Volunteer Corps as a threat to national security under new state-threat powers.

The Home Office said the organisation supports Russian military and intelligence objectives by helping the GRU recruit, organise and deploy volunteer and proxy forces.

Cammidge has not been charged solely because of the organisation's designation. His charges concern specific conduct that prosecutors allege breached Sections 3 and 18 of the National Security Act 2023.

What Happens Next?

Cammidge is expected to appear at the Old Bailey on 25 September, when the case will progress through the Crown Court.

The CPS has emphasised that criminal proceedings are active and that Cammidge has the right to a fair trial. It has warned against reporting, commentary or online material that could prejudice the proceedings.