A jury in London has convicted a Border Force officer of assisting Chinese intelligence-linked espionage activities targeting Hong Kong dissidents living in the United Kingdom.
Prosecutors said Chi Leung Wai, also known as Peter Wai, used confidential immigration records to identify activists and monitor protesters as part of what authorities described as a “shadow policing” network connected to Chinese intelligence operations.
The case centred on surveillance activities allegedly targeting Hong Kong activists who relocated to Britain following Beijing’s crackdown after the 2019 protests.
Convictions under national security laws
Wai was convicted under the UK’s National Security Act for assisting a foreign intelligence service. He was also found guilty of misconduct in public office for improperly accessing government immigration databases while working as a Border Force officer at Heathrow Airport.
The jury additionally convicted Chung Biu Yuen, also known as Bill Yuen, a former Hong Kong police officer who later worked for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London.
Prosecutors alleged Wai accessed sensitive systems even while away from work, searching for information linked to Hong Kong dissidents who had settled in Britain. Court evidence included messages in which activists were allegedly referred to as “cockroaches.”
Surveillance allegations
The prosecution said Wai’s previous service in the Royal Navy and work with the Metropolitan Police gave him expertise and access useful for surveillance operations supporting Beijing.
Authorities also alleged that Matthew Trickett assisted in monitoring activists, including surveillance of activist Nathan Law during an appearance at the Oxford Union.
Trickett, who was charged alongside Wai and Yuen, was later found dead in what investigators believe was a suicide.
Refugees describe climate of fear
Hong Kong activist Finn Lau said many Hong Kong refugees in Britain live under constant fear of surveillance and intimidation.
The prosecution also detailed an alleged attempt to target Hong Kong refugee Monica Kwong. Prosecutors claimed Wai used immigration databases to locate her address before surveillance teams were allegedly sent to pressure her.
Jurors did not reach a verdict on a separate foreign interference charge connected to the alleged operation involving Kwong’s residence in Pontefract. Prosecutors later said they would not pursue a retrial on that count.
