Russian cyberattacks against UK are 'Putin Tax' costing $3.3 billion, says lawmaker
A UK lawmaker estimates Russian cyber and sabotage activity costs Britain at least $2.6–$3.3 billion a year.
Labour MP Graeme Downie and researcher Dominic Reed published “The Putin Tax,” estimating Russian cyberattacks, sabotage, and infrastructure threats cost the UK £2–2.5 billion ($2.6–$3.3 billion) a year, described as a floor. Parliamentary answers showed departments hold no official cost estimates, including for ransomware incidents affecting NHS supplier Advanced and Royal Mail. The report also cites the August 2025 Jaguar Land Rover attack, estimated at $2.5 billion and not formally attributed to Russia, plus a 2024 Wagner-ordered London arson attack. It urges annual hostile-state economic assessments, NCSC cost figures alongside attribution, and a public awareness campaign.