UK: Border force officer convicted in Chinese intelligence spying case
A jury in London has convicted a Border Force officer of helping Chinese intelligence agents spy on Hong Kong dissidents living in the United Kingdom.Prosecutors alleged that Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, 38, used confidential immigration data to identify activists and monitor protesters as part of espionage activities linked to Chinese authorities.According to the BBC News, prosecutors said the operation formed part of a “shadow policing” network that gathered information on Hong Kong activists who had sought refuge in Britain following Beijing’s crackdown after the 2019 protests.Wai was found guilty under the UK’s National Security Act of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The jury also convicted Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, 65, a former Hong Kong police officer who later worked for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London.In addition, Wai was convicted of misconduct in public office for misusing government computer systems while serving as a Border Force officer at Heathrow Airport.Prosecutors said Wai accessed sensitive immigration systems even while on sick leave or away from work, allegedly searching for personal details linked to Hong Kong dissidents who had moved to Britain after the protests. Court messages showed Wai referring to activists as “cockroaches” while sharing information with individuals allegedly connected to Chinese authorities.The investigation revealed Wai had previously served in the Royal Navy, worked with the Metropolitan Police, and joined Border Force in 2020. Prosecutors argued those roles gave him access and expertise that aided surveillance activities supporting Beijing.Prosecutors also alleged that former Royal Marine Matthew Trickett, another Border Force officer, assisted in monitoring activists. They said Trickett surveilled activist Nathan Law during an appearance at the Oxford Union in 2023.Trickett, who was charged alongside Wai and Yuen, was later found dead at Grenfell Park in what authorities believe was a suicide.Hong Kong activist Finn Lau told the BBC that many Hong Kong refugees in Britain live in constant fear of surveillance and intimidation, forcing them to remain vigilant in their daily lives.The prosecution further detailed an alleged attempt by the defendants to infiltrate the home of Hong Kong refugee Monica Kwong, who faces financial allegations that she denies. Prosecutors said Wai used immigration databases to locate her address before surveillance teams were allegedly sent to pressure her into coming out.Jurors failed to reach a verdict on a separate foreign interference charge linked to the alleged operation at Kwong’s flat in Pontefract. Prosecutors later confirmed they would not seek a retrial on that count.
