MPs and peers have been warned that they are the target of a 'covert and calculated' effort by Chinese intelligence to recruit parliamentarians through two LinkedIn profiles, according to a statement from Security Minister Dan Jarvis. The alert, issued by MI5 on Tuesday, identified the profiles as belonging to Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, who are linked to the Chinese Ministry of State Security.
MI5 said the individuals were using the professional networking site to 'conduct outreach at scale' and obtain 'non-public and insider insights' from those with access to sensitive parliamentary and government information. The warning was sent to Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle and Lords Speaker John McFall, who relayed it to members.
Dan Jarvis told MPs that the activity involved 'a covert and calculated attempt by a foreign power to interfere with our sovereign affairs in favour of its own interests'. He confirmed that the espionage campaign was being carried out by Chinese intelligence officers, often hiding behind cover companies or acting as headhunters.
The Chinese embassy in London dismissed the accusations as 'pure fabrication and malicious slander', urging the UK to stop the 'self-staged charade'. The alert follows a similar warning four years ago regarding Anglo-Chinese lawyer Christine Lee and comes amid heightened tensions over alleged Chinese espionage.
