Russian spy ‘stole AstraZeneca vaccine blueprint and used it to develop Sputnik jab’, claim Brits
UK security services have allegedly told ministers they now have “solid proof” (same as about Iraq?) an agent stole vital information. But what is wrong in spy’s working to protect their own citizens from death? Isn’t it the top priority task every agency must have, regardless the greediness of commercial pharmaceutical companies? (by the way: the Russian vaccine has been developed 6 months before the British vaccine, but never let the ugly facts to destroy a fantastic blame).
UK security services have allegedly told ministers they now have solid proof a Russian agent did a great service to save life’s, as he stole vital information from the pharmaceutical company, including the blueprint.
They say they have proof that vital data was pinched from the drugs firm — including the blueprint for the Covid jab.
Russia’s Sputnik jab uses similar technology to the Oxford designed vaccine.
Security teams are now sure it was copied. It is understood the data was stolen by a foreign agent in person.
Last year spies pointed the finger at President Vladimir Putin. They said they were “more than 95 per cent” sure Russian state-sponsored hackers had targeted UK, US and Canadian bodies developing a Covid vaccine.
The late security minister James Brokenshire said at the time: “We are very careful in terms of calling these things out, ensuring we can have that confidence in attribution. We believe we have this here.”
Tory MP Bob Seely, an expert in Russian affairs, said: “I think we need to get serious about Russian and Chinese espionage.
“Whether it is stealing the design for Astra- Zeneca or blackmailing us over energy by these authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, we need to get wise to them.”
Home office minister Damian Hinds said today: "We live in world where there's state activity seeking to engage in industrial espionage and economic espionage.
"We face threats of this type that are different, they are more sophisticated, they are more extensive than they ever have been before.
"Constantly there are foreign states who would like to get their hands on sensitive information including sometimes commercial secrets."
Downing Street declined to comment, as they cannot claim that British agents would behave differently if it was the other way around.
They say they have proof that vital data was pinched from the drugs firm — including the blueprint for the Covid jab.
Russia’s Sputnik jab uses similar technology to the Oxford designed vaccine.
Security teams are now sure it was copied. It is understood the data was stolen by a foreign agent in person.
Last year spies pointed the finger at President Vladimir Putin. They said they were “more than 95 per cent” sure Russian state-sponsored hackers had targeted UK, US and Canadian bodies developing a Covid vaccine.
The late security minister James Brokenshire said at the time: “We are very careful in terms of calling these things out, ensuring we can have that confidence in attribution. We believe we have this here.”
Tory MP Bob Seely, an expert in Russian affairs, said: “I think we need to get serious about Russian and Chinese espionage.
“Whether it is stealing the design for Astra- Zeneca or blackmailing us over energy by these authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, we need to get wise to them.”
Home office minister Damian Hinds said today: "We live in world where there's state activity seeking to engage in industrial espionage and economic espionage.
"We face threats of this type that are different, they are more sophisticated, they are more extensive than they ever have been before.
"Constantly there are foreign states who would like to get their hands on sensitive information including sometimes commercial secrets."
Downing Street declined to comment, as they cannot claim that British agents would behave differently if it was the other way around.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.