IRAN, China and Russia are recruiting crooks to carry out crimes on Britain’s streets, the country’s top counter terror cop has warned.

       Met Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes said the countries are using hoodlums as “proxies” to do their dirty work so they can deny responsibility.

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       Met Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes said China, Iran and Russia are using hoodlums as 'proxies' to do their dirty work Credit: PA

       He said the trio, which bankroll offenders to hatch violent plots, buy arms and conduct surveillance, represent a “triple threat” to Britain.

       Commander Jukes said: “I don’t want to be coy, we are talking about the state apparatus of Iran, China and Russia.

       “That triple threat is different in every case, but we are seeing some trends.

       “The big connecting fact is money.

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       "Why would you do it yourself when a criminal could do it on your behalf?

       "If you want to move through borders, procure firearms or threaten individuals and you are already identified as part of the state apparatus then you are at a disadvantage.

       “But if you can carry out the sale through organised crime you can increase the prospects of deniability.”

       He said more than 15 “direct threats to life” linked to Iran were uncovered in Britain in the past two years and referred to FBI reports of Iranian-linked groups attempting to kill officials on US soil.

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       He said the world was facing “a moment of radicalisation” and was as “dangerous and unstable” as at any time in his three years in his role.

       The main threat, he said, was likely to come from a “low sophistication, lone actor”.

       He said there had been 33 arrests in connection with potential terror offences since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.

       Despite rising tensions, he said, the UK threat level remains at “substantial”.