Riz Ahmed says UK spies tried to recruit him on three occasions
Riz Ahmed has revealed that UK intelligence services attempted to recruit him on three separate occasions. The actor described one incident at Luton airport where he was threatened and questioned about his motivations for acting. He also mentioned approaches through a family friend and a senior BBC executive, but declined any offers.
- ▪Riz Ahmed claims UK spies tried to recruit him three times.
- ▪One incident involved being threatened at Luton airport after returning from filming.
- ▪Ahmed received approaches through a family friend and a senior BBC executive.
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Riz Ahmed in Cannes in 2025. Photograph: Abaca Press/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News.View image in fullscreenRiz Ahmed in Cannes in 2025. Photograph: Abaca Press/Alamy Stock Photo/Alamy Live News.Riz AhmedRiz Ahmed says UK spies tried to recruit him on three occasionsActor recounts three alleged approaches by intelligence services, including through senior BBC executiveNadeem BadshahSun 24 May 2026 13.54 EDTLast modified on Sun 24 May 2026 13.55 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleRiz Ahmed, the Oscar-winning actor, has claimed that Britain’s intelligence services tried three times to recruit him, including one occasion involving a senior BBC executive.Ahmed, 43, said: “Well, it’s happened three different times and they’re all slightly ridiculous, and this is what I mean by it, it’s…
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