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MI5 was established (as the Secret Service Bureau) in 1909 in response to fears of German espionage. Over the next eighty years, MI5 identified numerous spies from Germany, the Soviet Union and other countries during the two World Wars and the Cold War. Foreign spies typically sought to obtain political and military intelligence, and during the wars some sought to carry out acts of sabotage.
Many of our files on these cases have been released to The National Archives, and three notable spy cases involving MI5 can be found below. These illustrate the differing motives and methods of spies, whether enemy agents or double agents run by MI5, and help to show the challenges that we have faced – and continue to face – in dealing with espionage.
International Day for Persons with a Disability gives MI5 the opportunity to confirm our commitment to working together...
MI5 marks Armistice Day 2019 with Remembrance service and wreath laying
Director General statement on London Bridge attack