Two men have been sentenced to prison for spying on behalf of China, carrying out 'shadow policing' operations against Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in the United Kingdom. Peter Wai, 41, a former UK Border Force officer and ex-Metropolitan Police constable, and Bill Yuen, 66, a retired Hong Kong police superintendent, were convicted under the National Security Act after a trial at the Old Bailey.
Failed Abduction Leads to Arrest
The pair were arrested following a botched attempt to abduct Monica Kwong, a 16 million pound fraud suspect, from her flat in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. The operation involved a team that tried to trick their way into her home by claiming a flood, but security services, tipped off in advance, were already inside.
Sentencing and Impact
On Thursday, Wai received a 10-year sentence, while Yuen was jailed for eight years. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described their actions as 'deliberate, concerted, and serious,' causing 'real and significant' damage and leaving victims feeling fearful and distressed. She called Wai's attitude 'arrogant' and said he had a 'sense of entitlement.'
Details of the Espionage
Wai, a dual Chinese-British national, conducted surveillance on Hong Kong dissidents, including prominent activist Nathan Law, who has a bounty on his head. He used his access to the Home Office computer system to gather intelligence, even while on sick leave. Yuen, who worked at the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in London, directed Wai's activities and had links to the Chinese government's Security Bureau.
Broader Context
The case is one of the first prosecuted under the National Security Act 2023. Targets included Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters and British politicians, such as Tory MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith. Wai referred to Hong Kongers as 'cockroaches' in his communications. The judge noted that the defendants' actions were a form of 'transnational repression.'
Defense and Reaction
Yuen's lawyer argued he was 'proud to be living in this country,' while Wai's defense claimed there was no 'harm' to the UK. However, Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing called the activity 'truly chilling.' Frank Ferguson of the Crown Prosecution Service said the convictions send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated on British soil.
