Former British police officer stripped of UK citizenship over Russian ties
Mark Bullen, a former police officer from Herefordshire, has become the first UK-born individual to have his British citizenship revoked due to his connections with Russia. The order was issued in 2025 by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The decision was made strictly on national security grounds. The case was first reported by The Daily Mirror and subsequently cited by the independent outlet Astra.
Bullen served for over a decade in the Herefordshire police force. During this period, he participated in an exchange program with Russian authorities, which included a month-long stay in St. Petersburg.
His family reportedly referred to him lightheartedly as a "spy" due to his long-standing affinity for Russia. Bullen eventually moved to the country permanently more than 12 years ago.
In 2022, Bullen obtained Russian citizenship and married locally. He currently resides in St. Petersburg with his wife and four children, where he works for the Zenit football club.
The situation escalated in 2024 when Bullen returned to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival, he was detained at the airport and interrogated regarding his potential involvement in hostile activities directed by a foreign state.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
