Arrest
Following the defection of Viktor Oshchenko and the information he provided it was decided that Smith should be arrested as soon as possible. In August 1992 a member of the Security Service telephoned Smith and pretended to be a friend of his friend Viktor and that they should meet. It was arranged to call Smith at a telephone kiosk near his home. This call never took place due to a mix up but Smith was under surveillance by the Metropolitan Police near the telephone box. When Smith returned home he was arrested under the Official Secrets Act 1911.
Analysis of Smith's financial affairs revealed unexplained income of over £20,000.
During a search of the boot of Smith's car, police found a plastic bag full of documents and some components. Amongst the documents were handwritten notes headed "Micromachining Project", "Micron-Valve Project" and other subjects. A document was also found which an expert at his trial linked to the ALARM missile project.
Read more about this topic: Michael John Smith (espionage)
Famous quotes containing the word arrest:
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