Two UK-Chinese dual nationals were convicted in a London court on Thursday of spying for China [1].
The verdict marks the first time in British history that individuals have been convicted of spying for China [1]. This case highlights the growing tension between the United Kingdom and Beijing over the surveillance of political dissidents on British soil.
Chi Leung Wai, also known as Peter Wai, and Chung Biu Yuen were found guilty at the Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey [2]. The two men operated on behalf of Chinese intelligence to conduct what officials described as "shadow policing" [1]. This operation involved the surveillance and intimidation of Hong Kong pro-democracy dissidents living in the United Kingdom [3].
The convictions follow an investigation into how foreign intelligence agencies monitor political refugees and activists within the UK. By conducting these activities, the defendants breached UK sovereignty [3]. The defendants were identified as dual nationals, with one individual previously serving as a UK border official and the other as a former Hong Kong police officer [3].
Court proceedings concluded on May 7, 2026 [2]. The jury found that the pair worked to identify and track individuals who had fled Hong Kong to avoid persecution under the city's security laws. The nature of the surveillance was designed to extend the reach of Chinese security services beyond their own borders, effectively treating the UK as a jurisdiction for Chinese intelligence operations [1].
Following the convictions, the UK government said it would summon the Chinese ambassador to address the breach of sovereignty [3]. The case underscores the risks faced by Hong Kong dissidents who sought sanctuary in Britain, as the convictions prove that foreign intelligence assets were active within the country [1].
“The verdict marks the first time in British history that individuals have been convicted of spying for China.”
These convictions establish a legal precedent in the UK for prosecuting foreign intelligence activities targeting dissidents. By successfully proving the existence of "shadow policing," the British judiciary has signaled a lower tolerance for extraterritorial surveillance, potentially leading to increased diplomatic friction with China and a heightened security focus on dual nationals in sensitive government roles.
