A court in London has found two individuals guilty of espionage for China and monitoring dissidents through covert operations. The verdict was delivered at the Old Bailey, marking a significant moment in the UK’s approach to foreign espionage.
The defendants, 38-year-old Chi Leung “Peter” Wai and 65-year-old Chung Biu Yuen, both held dual British and Chinese citizenship and were associated with the UK Border Force. They were convicted for facilitating foreign intelligence operations by surveilling targets between December 2023 and May 2024, making them the first individuals in the UK to be convicted of spying for China.
Wai, who worked at Heathrow Airport and volunteered as a special constable in London, was also found guilty of misconduct in public office related to unauthorized searches in Home Office databases. Sentencing for both men is pending, with potential prison terms of up to 14 years.
During the trial, it was revealed that Wai collected intelligence at the direction of Yuen, who served as a senior manager at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in London. Among those targeted was Nathan Law, an exiled politician who led the student protest movement in Hong Kong and had a bounty of £100,000 placed on his head by Chinese authorities.
Evidence showed that Wai infiltrated pro-democracy groups from Hong Kong and sought information on British politicians, including former Conservative minister Iain Duncan Smith and Labour Party member Helena Kennedy. Wai, known to associates as “Fatboy,” denied allegations of providing intelligence to Chinese officials over the years.
A third individual, 37-year-old Matthew Trickett, a former British Marine and immigration officer, was also implicated in the case. He was found dead in a park near his home in Maidenhead, Berkshire, a week after being released on bail. Prosecutors had previously sought to keep Trickett in custody for his safety after he attempted suicide following his arrest.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a separate charge related to an alleged attempt to invade the home of Hong Kong fugitive Monica Kwong. The prosecution has decided not to pursue a retrial on this matter.
Home Secretary Dan Jarvis stated that the UK will not tolerate espionage and will continue to hold China accountable for actions that threaten national security. He announced that the Foreign Office would summon the Chinese ambassador to express that such activities are unacceptable in the UK. Jarvis emphasized that the case demonstrates the UK’s commitment to protecting itself from hostile foreign activities and that anyone attempting to undermine national security will face significant consequences.
In response, Chinese officials labeled the case as politically motivated, claiming it was a misuse of law and a manipulation of the judicial process by the UK. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy stated that the case aims to embolden anti-China elements in the UK and destabilize Hong Kong.
Two individuals have been convicted in the UK for espionage on behalf of China, marking a significant legal precedent. The case highlights ongoing concerns over foreign interference and the UK's commitment to national security.
Source: The Guardian