UK Government Defends New MI6 Chief Over Reports of Grandfather’s Nazi Past

The British government has publicly defended the incoming chief of its foreign intelligence agency, MI6, after reports emerged that her grandfather was a Nazi collaborator known as “The Butcher.”

Blaise Metreweli, 47, is set to become the first woman to lead the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) this autumn. But her historic appointment has drawn scrutiny following revelations by the Daily Mail that her paternal grandfather, Constantine Dobrowolski, defected from the Soviet Red Army during World War II and allegedly served as a Nazi informant in modern-day Ukraine.

According to the report, German military archives identified Dobrowolski as “Agent No. 30,” with Wehrmacht commanders referring to him as “The Butcher.” He is said to have had a bounty placed on his head by Soviet authorities and was labelled “the worst enemy of the Ukrainian people.” The newspaper also cited letters in which Dobrowolski allegedly boasted of participating in the extermination of Jews.

In response, the Foreign Office issued a rare statement defending Metreweli, stressing she had no personal connection to her grandfather and was unaware of his alleged wartime activities.

“Blaise Metreweli neither knew nor met her paternal grandfather,” a spokesperson said. “Blaise’s ancestry is characterised by conflict and division and, as is the case for many with Eastern European heritage, only partially understood. It is precisely this complex heritage which has contributed to her commitment to prevent conflict and protect the British public from modern threats from today’s hostile states.”

Metreweli’s appointment was announced earlier this month as part of a broader reshuffle in Britain’s national security leadership. A seasoned intelligence officer with nearly two decades of experience, she is set to become the 18th chief of MI6, known officially as the Secret Intelligence Service. As per tradition, she will be referred to by the codename “C,” a convention that dates back to the agency’s earliest days.

The MI6 chief is the only publicly named official in the otherwise secretive organisation and reports directly to the Foreign Secretary.

While the revelations have prompted debate about historical accountability, the government and senior officials have stood by Metreweli, highlighting her record of public service and commitment to national security.

“She is being appointed for who she is, not for the actions of those she never knew,” a senior Whitehall official said.