Two individuals, a Border Force official and a retired Hong Kong police officer, have been convicted of espionage for China while in the UK. Peter Wai and Bill Yuen, both dual Chinese-British nationals, engaged in “shadow policing” activities targeting Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters residing in the UK. The arrest came after an unsuccessful attempt to abduct a former Hong Kong resident, Monica Kwong, from her residence in West Yorkshire.
After a trial at the Old Bailey lasting two months, the duo was found guilty of aiding a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act. The Foreign Office has summoned Chinese ambassador Zheng Zeguang in response to the convictions. Security minister Dan Jarvis emphasized that such actions are unacceptable on UK soil.
Wai, who also faced charges of misconduct in a public office for accessing the Home Office system for Hong Kong authorities, had a background in the UK Border Force, City of London Police, and the Royal Navy. He gathered intelligence under the instructions of ex-Hong Kong superintendent Yuen, who worked at the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in London.
Their targets included Hong Kong dissidents and British politicians, such as senior Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith. The defendants referred to their targets as “cockroaches” and collected details on their vehicles, residences, and social media profiles. The unlawful activities were uncovered during an operation to extract Ms. Kwong from her home using deceitful means.
The court proceedings revealed the involvement of other individuals, including an immigration enforcement officer and ex-Royal Marine, in the attempted abduction scheme. Despite the arrests, only Trickett was charged alongside Wai and Yuen under the National Security Act. Tragically, Trickett was later found deceased in woodland near Maidenhead.
The jury, after lengthy deliberation, failed to reach a verdict on foreign interference charges. The defendants have been remanded into custody for sentencing, with no plans for a retrial. The Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the severity of the offenses and the need to uphold UK sovereignty against such illicit activities.
Law enforcement authorities and officials emphasized the gravity of the case, condemning foreign interference and espionage activities on British territory. The Henry Jackson Society has called for a reevaluation of Britain’s stance towards Chinese operations within the country, emphasizing the necessity of enhanced measures to safeguard against covert interference.
