‘Russian spy’ was MP’s aide and mistress, hearing told

A FORMER parliamentary researcher accused of working as a Russian spy started a four-year relationship with an MP because he was “potentially vulnerable”, a deportation hearing heard.

Katia Zatuliveter is suspected of using her position as an assistant and mistress of Liberal Democrat Mike Hancock to pass information to Russian intelligence.

She is appearing before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission in central London in an attempt to remain in the country.

Jonathan Glasson, the lawyer acting on behalf of the Home Secretary, told the hearing the MP was known to have had a number of extra-martial affairs.

He told Miss Zatuliveter: “You knew that Mr Hancock’s private life might make him potentially vulnerable.”

She said: “I did not know of his private life until our relationship.”

The government wants to deport her on the grounds that her presence is a danger to national security. She denies the charges.

The hearing is expected to last nine days.