Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
A UK immigration officer, Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, has been found guilty of collaborating with Chinese intelligence in what authorities have described as a “shadow policing operation.” Wai, who had worked as a Border Force officer at Heathrow Airport since December 2020, exploited his access to the Home Office’s immigration database to monitor and track pro-democracy Hong Kong dissidents living in the UK. This misuse of sensitive government resources was done without effective oversight, as Wai conducted these searches during his time off and sick leave.
Alongside Wai, Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen was also found guilty of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Yuen, a former Hong Kong police officer, was working in London as the office manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO). The pair’s relationship began in 2017 when Yuen became Wai’s handler, directing the flow of information regarding the activities of dissidents and pro-democracy protesters from the UK to Chinese authorities. The court learned that their activities attracted “special attention” toward certain British politicians, intensifying concerns about foreign interference in the UK’s domestic affairs.
The investigation revealed how Wai referred to the Hong Kong dissidents disparagingly in communications, using terms such as “cockroaches.” Wai’s surveillance operation extended to involving other UK officials, including a fellow Border Force officer who was linked to the monitoring efforts before his tragic death, which was ruled a suspected suicide. Wai’s background included service as a Metropolitan Police officer, a Royal Navy member, and involvement in private security, highlighting a complex professional history preceding his work at Heathrow.
Authorities condemned the actions of Wai and Yuen as “both sinister and chilling.” Amidst the serious national security implications, the Chinese ambassador was summoned by the Foreign Office following the convictions. The prosecution indicated no intention to seek a retrial on unresolved charges. Sentencing is scheduled for mid-May, underscoring the gravity with which the UK treats breaches involving foreign intelligence activities targeting individuals seeking refuge within its borders
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.