Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
Three men accused of working on behalf of a foreign intelligence service have been formally charged in London.
Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, 38, Matthew Trickett, 37, and Chung Biu Yuen, 63, faced charges at Westminster Magistrates’ Court relating to activities under the National Security Act, including aiding Hong Kong’s intelligence service and foreign interference.
The allegations claim that from December 20, 2023, to May 2, 2024, the trio engaged in information gathering, surveillance, and acts of deception supportive of foreign intelligence operations. An incident involving forced entry into a UK residential property on May 1 is also linked to their activities.
During their court appearance, where they confirmed their identities, the judge granted them conditional bail. The terms set by District Judge Louisa Cieciora include:
- A nightly curfew from 10 pm to 5 am.
- Mandatory weekly check-ins at their local police station.
- A ban on international travel.
- A requirement to report any internet-accessible devices to the authorities.
The charges followed a wider investigation by the UK’s counter-terrorism command, which initially detained 11 individuals suspected of being spies. This broader operation saw additional arrests and searches across England, signaling a significant crackdown on activities deemed a threat to national security.
China responds:
The Chinese embassy in London has denounced the UK for “anti-China political manipulation” and demanded an immediate end of a “motivated” trial. The embassy emphasized that such acts are a “serious provocation to China” and breach international norms. They added, “China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the British pure fabrication of so-called cases and unreasonable accusations against the Hong Kong SAR government. The UK arbitrarily harasses, arrests and detains Chinese citizens in the UK under the pretext of justice and national security. This is a serious provocation to China and a serious violation of the basic norms of international relations.”
