UK Men Convicted in Landmark Chinese Intelligence Case Under National Security Act
The conviction of two dual British-Chinese nationals marks a significant development in the United Kingdom's efforts to counter foreign espionage. Chi Leung Peter Wai and Chung Biu Bill Yuen were found guilty in May 2026 at the Old Bailey of assisting a foreign intelligence service, an offence under the National Security Act 2023. Wai additionally faced conviction for misconduct in public office. These verdicts represent the first successful prosecutions of their kind involving Chinese-linked intelligence activities on British soil.
The case centred on surveillance operations targeting Hong Kong pro-democracy activists living in the UK. Prosecutors demonstrated how the pair conducted what was described as shadow policing, gathering information on dissidents including Nathan Law. Evidence included digital communications, financial records showing payments routed through the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, and unauthorised database accesses by Wai in his role as a Border Force officer at Heathrow.
Background to the National Security Act 2023
The National Security Act 2023 introduced new offences to address gaps in older legislation. It criminalises assisting a foreign intelligence service and foreign interference. The law was designed to strengthen protections against state-sponsored espionage amid rising concerns over activities by multiple foreign actors. In this instance, the prosecution successfully proved that Wai and Yuen were operating on behalf of Hong Kong authorities, which function under the broader influence of Chinese state structures.
Investigators from Counter Terrorism Policing pieced together the operation through analysis of over twenty terabytes of data. Messages revealed tasking from Yuen, who held a managerial position at the London trade office, to Wai and a third individual. Targets were referred to in derogatory terms, and operations included attempts to locate and confront individuals who had fled Hong Kong.
The Investigation and Arrests
The case came to light in May 2024 when police disrupted an attempt to enter the home of Monica Kwong in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Kwong had relocated to the UK under the British National Overseas scheme following accusations of fraud in Hong Kong, which she denied. A group including Wai, former Hong Kong police officers, and others posed as maintenance workers and attempted deceptive tactics such as pouring water under a door to simulate a leak.
Arrests followed, leading to charges against Wai, Yuen, and Matthew Trickett. Trickett, a former Royal Marine and immigration enforcement officer, was later found deceased. The remaining two proceeded to a nine-week trial. Forensic examination of phones and financial trails showed payments from the trade office account and clear awareness that activities served Hong Kong authorities.
Key Evidence Presented in Court
Prosecutors highlighted specific surveillance targets. Nathan Law, an exiled Hong Kong activist with a bounty on his head, featured prominently. The pair also collected details on British politicians such as Iain Duncan Smith and Helena Kennedy. Wai exploited his Border Force access to run checks on Home Office systems for individuals of interest to Hong Kong authorities.
Messages between the defendants discussed operations and referred to overseas activists as enemies. Yuen was shown directing activities while claiming limited involvement. The jury returned majority verdicts on the assisting offence after extended deliberations. Charges of foreign interference did not result in verdicts, and the prosecution opted not to pursue a retrial.
Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash
Sentencing and Immediate Aftermath
In June 2026, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb sentenced Wai to ten years imprisonment and Yuen to eight years. The terms reflect the seriousness of conducting intelligence operations against UK residents on behalf of a foreign state. The Home Office minister emphasised that such activities infringe sovereignty and will not be tolerated.
The Foreign Office summoned the Chinese ambassador to convey that the pattern of behaviour, including espionage and bounties on dissidents, remains unacceptable. A Chinese embassy statement rejected the verdicts as politically motivated.
Broader Context of Foreign Interference in the UK
This case forms part of heightened scrutiny of Chinese state-linked activities. MI5 has issued alerts about recruitment attempts targeting parliamentarians, staff, and think tanks. Bounties placed by Hong Kong police on overseas activists underscore efforts to exert influence beyond borders. Similar concerns have arisen in other European countries regarding transnational repression.
The National Security Act provides tools to prosecute such conduct. Its application here demonstrates the legislation's effectiveness in securing convictions where evidence establishes clear links to foreign intelligence tasking. Authorities continue to monitor risks to diaspora communities and political figures.
Implications for UK National Security Policy
The convictions reinforce the government's commitment to protecting individuals who have sought refuge in the UK. They highlight vulnerabilities in public sector roles where access to sensitive data could be misused. Enhanced vetting and awareness training for officials handling immigration and border matters are likely to receive renewed attention.
Diplomatic relations face ongoing strain. The UK maintains a policy of engaging with China on economic matters while challenging hostile activities directly. This balanced approach seeks to safeguard security without fully severing ties.
Reactions from Stakeholders and Affected Communities
Exiled Hong Kong activists welcomed the outcome as validation of their safety concerns. Nathan Law noted that such operations were unsurprising given the pattern of transnational pursuit. Community groups have called for stronger measures to shield residents from intimidation.
Legal experts view the case as a precedent-setting application of the new Act. It clarifies thresholds for proving assistance to foreign intelligence services and underscores the risks for individuals engaged in private security work that crosses into state-directed activity.
Future Outlook and Preventive Measures
With sentencing complete, attention turns to ongoing investigations and potential further charges. Counter Terrorism Policing has emphasised that private investigators and others must ensure their work does not benefit foreign states. Warnings issued during the trial aim to deter similar conduct.
Legislative reviews and international cooperation on counter-espionage are expected to intensify. The case serves as a reminder that foreign interference operations, even when framed as private matters, can lead to substantial prison terms when they undermine UK sovereignty and resident safety.
The successful prosecution under the National Security Act demonstrates the United Kingdom's resolve to address espionage threats. As authorities remain vigilant, the public is encouraged to report suspicious activity through established channels. This outcome provides reassurance to communities potentially targeted by foreign actors while sending a clear deterrent message.
