Former researcher quizzed over MP’s influence

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

She is appearing before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) in London to try to remain in the country.

In cross-examination yesterday, the 26-year-old was asked by Jonathan Glasson, the lawyer acting on behalf of the Home Secretary, why she thought Mr Hancock would be of interest to the Russian Intelligence Service.

She replied: “I have no idea what would be of interest to the Russian Intelligence Service.”

He said: “No idea at all?”

She relied: “No idea at all.”

Mr Glasson 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.”

Mr Glasson put it to her that she targeted Mr Hancock because he was an influential man in UK politics, and could reveal sensitive information.

She said: “I don’t think that he is very influential. He is a backbench MP.”

He replied: “He’s not just a backbench MP though, is he? He’s a member of the Defence Select Committee.”

The hearing is expected to last nine days.