A Russian billionaire (and former KGB agent) Alexander Lebedev has bought a controlling stake in the Evening Standard, London’s main afternoon newspaper. Lebedev is also the major shareholder, with former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, in Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

The Evening Standard is one of Britain’s most prominent newspapers, and is a particular favorite with politicians at Westminster.

While Fleet Street has had owners from Australia, Canada, the U.S. and Ireland, Lebedev is believed to be the first ex-security service agent or Russian to own a major British daily.

It seems the KGB has finally infiltrated the halls of British democracy.