Ex-Policeman Loses UK Citizenship Due to Russia Ties

Mark Bullen, 45, a former Hertfordshire Constabulary officer, has had his UK citizenship revoked. The Home Office says national security concerns tied to his Russia links prompted the move.

Government decision and rationale

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood authorized the deprivation on security grounds. She said key evidence must remain secret in the interests of national security.

The Home Office described deprivation as a tool to protect the country from serious threats. It cited terrorism, hostile state activity, and organised crime as examples.

Background and ties to Russia

Bullen worked for more than a decade with Hertfordshire police. During his service he met senior Russian officers and joined a month-long exchange in St Petersburg.

He acquired Russian citizenship in 2022 and has been living in St Petersburg. He has described Russia as a lifelong passion and has visited the UK to see family.

Detention and questioning at Luton

In November 2024 he says he was detained under the Terrorism Act at Luton Airport. Officers seized his electronic devices and held a four-hour interview.

He was questioned about the 2018 Salisbury poisonings after flying from Russia. Bullen says the detention disrupted his routine visits to the UK.

Denials and his record

Bullen denies any wrongdoing and rejects claims he poses a threat to the UK. He told Filmogaz.com last year he had never been charged.

He points to a clean service record, two commendations, and an officer of the year award. He says the deprivation decision is hard to reconcile with that record.

Precedent and wider context

Officials note only two other people, both foreign-born, are believed to have lost British citizenship over suspected Kremlin links. Those prior cases differ from this because Bullen is described as the first British person affected.

The government insists deprivation decisions are not taken lightly. It adds the measure remains necessary to keep the country safe.