A former British police officer who relocated to Russia a decade ago has been stripped of his UK citizenship by the Home Office, citing undisclosed national security concerns.
From Police Handbook to Russian Football
Mark Bullen, 45, originally from Bracknell in Berkshire, served with Hertfordshire Police for 11 years. During his service, he authored a specialist training handbook on Russian crime, utilising his fluency in the language—a skill that also earned him a commendation in 2010 for calming a distressed Latvian man.
His lifelong fascination with Russia, which began in childhood with a pen friend, led him to move there permanently in 2014. Settling in St Petersburg, he unexpectedly began working for the media team of the renowned football club, Zenit St Petersburg, managing their English-language social media. He now lives there with his wife and four children, having also obtained Russian citizenship in 2022.
Detention and Revocation
For years, Bullen visited the UK without issue. However, in November 2024, his return trip took a dramatic turn. Upon arrival at Luton Airport, he was detained and questioned for four hours under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. He states he was denied legal representation and subjected to DNA and fingerprint sampling.
Then, in October of last year, he received a formal letter from the Home Office, signed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, informing him his British citizenship was being revoked. The sole reason given was that it was "conducive to the public good" on national security grounds, a power granted under Section 40 of the British Nationality Act 1981.
"An Overreaction Without Evidence"
Mark Bullen has expressed shock and denies posing any threat to the UK. "I absolutely deny I am any threat to the UK. I find that comical," he said. "I have never been charged. I have a perfect police record, two commendations... But for them to do this, without any evidence, is ridiculous. I am certain it is an overreaction."
He highlighted the contrast with the UK's values, stating, "I find it hard to believe that a country like England, which is supposed to be about freedom and liberty, would behave in this way." Following the revocation and his airport ordeal, he has no plans to return to the UK, focusing instead on his family and life in Russia.
The Home Office has declined to comment on the specific case.
