British counter-terrorism authorities said a Border Force officer and a former Hong Kong police officer were sentenced after an investigation found they collected information to benefit the Chinese government. Chi Leung Wai, 41, was jailed for 10 years — six years for assisting a foreign intelligence agency and four years for misconduct in public office. Chung Biu Yuen, 66, a former Hong Kong police officer, received an eight-year sentence. Authorities warned that such activity will not be tolerated in the U.K.
UK Sentences Two Men For Spying For Chinese Government; Border Force Officer Jailed 10 Years
British counter-terrorism police announced Thursday that a Border Force officer and another have been sentenced for allegedly spying for the Chinese government. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
British counter-terrorism authorities have jailed a Border Force officer and a former Hong Kong police officer after finding they collected information to benefit the Chinese government.
Case Details
Counter Terrorism Policing London identified the men as Chi Leung Wai, 41, and Chung Biu Yuen, 66. Both were arrested under the National Security Act following an investigation that found they were gathering information to assist a foreign intelligence service.
"Our investigation and the sentences show how seriously this is treated in the U.K. and that it will not be tolerated," said Helen Flanagan, commander of Counter Terrorism Policing London. "It should warn anyone considering similar actions that it is not worth it and that, if caught, they will face a lengthy prison sentence."
Chi Leung Wai — also known as "Peter" — served as a British Border Force officer. Authorities say he used a Border Force database to identify and track foreign nationals who fled Hong Kong amid crackdowns on pro-democracy activists. Wai was convicted last month and sentenced to 10 years in prison: six years for assisting a foreign intelligence agency and four years for misconduct in public office.
As part of the investigation, prosecutors cited messages Wai sent to Hong Kong police contacts. In one exchange to Eddie Ma, chief superintendent of the Hong Kong Police's Criminal Intelligence Bureau, Wai wrote, "Will not let any cockroaches in," according to authorities.
Chung Biu Yuen — known as "Bill" — is a former Hong Kong police officer. He was convicted as part of the same investigation and sentenced to eight years in prison for assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Police and counterterrorism officials emphasized the broader national-security implications of the case and reiterated that using official roles or access to target dissidents overseas will be met with criminal prosecution.
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