Ex-Police Officer Mark Bullen Loses UK Citizenship for Russia Ties

Ex-police officer Mark Bullen, 45, has been deprived of British citizenship in a decision the Home Office described as a national security measure. The order was made by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Officials said the action related to links with Russia.

Government rationale and secrecy

The Home Office said deprivation powers protect the UK from terrorism, hostile state activity, and organised crime. Ministers insist such decisions are not taken lightly.

No evidence underpinning the decision has been published. Mahmood said the material must remain secret in the interests of national security.

Detention and airport questioning

Bullen was detained at Luton Airport in November 2024 after arriving from Russia. Officers seized his electronic devices and questioned him for about four hours.

Reports say questioning touched on the 2018 Salisbury poisonings. He has not been charged in connection with that incident.

Background and ties to Russia

Bullen served for more than a decade with Hertfordshire Constabulary. He received two commendations and was once named officer of the year.

He acquired Russian citizenship in 2022 and has been living in St Petersburg. He previously took part in a month-long police exchange in the city.

Personal statements

Bullen denies any wrongdoing and rejects claims he poses a security threat. He has described the government action as comical and questioned its compatibility with British freedoms.

Why the case matters

The case stands out because only two other people are believed to have had British citizenship removed over suspected Kremlin links. Those two were foreign-born.

This ruling makes Bullen the first British person publicly known to lose citizenship on that basis. The decision is therefore unusually noteworthy.

What happens next

• Further legal challenges are possible but may be constrained by secrecy rules.
• Any release of additional material will be weighed against national security concerns.
• Officials say the government will act to protect the country as needed.

Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and report on any legal or procedural updates. The case remains one of the most closely watched citizenship decisions in recent years.