MI5 has issued a major espionage alert after uncovering a sophisticated plot by Chinese intelligence to gather technical knowledge from more than 100 UK-linked academics. The Security Service has publicly named China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) as a front for China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) spy agency.
Beijing's spies are said to have used CGTRI to covertly collect information on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and covert communications, with the aim of using it against the west. All of the information provided has been given to the CGTRI, which MI5 discovered after months of investigation is designed to help the MSS with espionage.
First public espionage alert
The alert, published on the MI5 website, marks the first time the Security Service has publicly issued an espionage alert. The MSS is China's main secret spy agency working against foreign governments.
More than 100 UK-linked academics and others working in the UK have been conned into helping Chinese intelligence steal technical secrets, according to sources. University research into AI, cybersecurity and covert communications is often undertaken by top academics who may have been duped into sharing their breakthroughs with Chinese intelligence.
Impact on UK economy
Some information shared by individuals may have seemed harmless, but when combined with data from multiple other people it could give China a huge advantage. In recent years there have been multiple instances of China launching intelligence operations to steal technology from the UK, damaging the economy and undermining UK technological breakthroughs.
In one incident, aerospace technology was pilfered over the internet, costing the British economy hundreds of millions as the technology was no longer exclusively for sale due to a breached patent.
Government response
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: "This alert exposes attempts by Chinese intelligence to covertly benefit from the expertise and research of our academics, undermining our national security, and that of our allies. I have written to all university Vice-Chancellors to ensure they support their staff to end all arrangements with this company, preventing further benefit to the Chinese intelligence services and ensuring compliance with the National Security Act."
MI5 advised academic institutions to immediately review any ongoing or planned collaboration with CGTRI to ensure the MSS derives no further benefit from UK universities or research institutions. Academics are also advised to establish the ultimate funding source when conducting research collaborations with Chinese institutions, to ensure CGTRI is not involved.
