The Would-Be Russian Spy: Howard Phillips and the MI5 Sting Operation
In this gripping episode of A True Crime Podcast, host Alexander Lawson uncovers the bizarre true story of Howard Phillips, a retired Essex man who dreamed of becoming a real-life James Bond. Desperate for money after burning through his savings, Phillips volunteered to spy for Russia, offering personal details of then-Defence Secretary Sir Grant Shapps—including his home address, phone number, and private plane location.
What Phillips didn’t know was that the “Russian agents” he was meeting were actually undercover MI5 officers. From coded WhatsApp messages and hotel rendezvous to a USB drop…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.