UK Court Sentences Two Men For Spying On Hong Kong Democracy Activists Living In Britain

A UK court has sentenced two men to prison for carrying out surveillance activities against Hong Kong pro-democracy activists living in the United Kingdom and passing information to authorities linked to Hong Kong.

The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey. Justice Cheema-Grubb imposed prison sentences of ten years and eight years on Chung Biu Yuen and Chi Leung Wai respectively. The court found that the pair had gathered information on Hong Kong dissidents residing in the UK and assisted a foreign intelligence service.

According to the prosecution, Yuen, who worked as an office manager at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, directed surveillance activities targeting activists who had relocated to Britain. Wai, a UK Border Force officer, was found to have used his official position to access confidential government databases and obtain personal information about pro-democracy campaigners.

During sentencing, the court described the conduct as a form of “shadow policing” carried out on behalf of foreign interests. Justice Cheema-Grubb stated that such actions threatened the safety and freedoms of individuals who had sought refuge in the UK. The judge also noted that misuse of official immigration databases undermined public confidence in the integrity of the country's institutions.

A jury had earlier convicted both men of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Wai was additionally convicted of misconduct in public office. However, both defendants were acquitted of separate charges relating to foreign interference.

The case has renewed concerns about alleged transnational repression, where foreign governments or their agents attempt to monitor, intimidate or influence dissidents living abroad. Rights groups welcomed the verdict, describing it as an important step in protecting political activists and safeguarding democratic freedoms within the UK.