UK Court Hears China Used Border Force Officer for Shadow Policing Operations
A UK court has heard shocking allegations that China utilized a Border Force officer to conduct "shadow policing operations" within the United Kingdom. These operations reportedly included spying on political dissidents and attempting to force entry into a suspected fraudster's flat, according to testimony presented at the Old Bailey.
Alleged Missions and Key Figures
Retired Hong Kong police superintendent Chung Biu Yuen, aged 65, is alleged to have tasked Chi Leung Wai, 38, and others with various missions. Wai worked for the UK Border Force from December 2020 and also served as a special constable in the City of London Police. Both individuals are dual Chinese and British nationals, with Yuen reportedly working for the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office at the time.
The court heard that they received requests from Hong Kong authorities to gather intelligence on exiles who were targeted with bounties of up to £100,000 due to their alleged links to pro-democracy protests. This included prominent figures such as Nathan Law, a well-known activist.
Details of the Shadow Policing Activities
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC stated that Yuen and Wai both undertook and tasked others to "conduct special hostile activity." This activity encompassed information gathering, hostile surveillance, and acts of deception aimed at Hong Kong diaspora members now residing in the UK. They allegedly assembled a team to gain access to the Pontefract flat of Monica Kwong, who left Hong Kong in December 2023 after being accused of fraud.
The jury was informed that they conducted surveillance "as if it was a legitimate UK police operation." Their attempts to enter the flat involved posing as electricians and then pouring water under the front door to simulate a flood. Discussions about setting off a fire alarm were also mentioned before they decided to force entry, which was ultimately prevented by UK police intervention.
Charges and Denials
Wai and Yuen are accused of breaching the National Security Act by assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service. They both deny assisting a foreign intelligence service between December 20, 2023, and May 2, 2024. It is alleged that they agreed to undertake information gathering, surveillance, and acts of deception during this period.
Additionally, they deny a second charge of foreign interference on May 1, 2024, related to forcing entry into a UK residential address. Wai faces an extra charge of misconduct in a public office while working as a UK Border Force officer between September 16, 2022, and May 2, 2024. This charge involves conducting unjustified searches of Home Office databases available to him in his role.
Ongoing Trial and Implications
The trial, which is expected to last up to nine weeks, continues to unfold with significant implications for UK national security and international relations. The case highlights concerns about foreign interference and the exploitation of positions within UK law enforcement for hostile activities. The outcome could set important precedents under the National Security Act, emphasizing the need for vigilance against covert operations on British soil.
