UK Court Hears of Chinese 'Shadow Policing' Operation Targeting Hong Kong Dissidents
A young mother living in West Yorkshire was completely unaware of the "tentacles" reaching out from Hong Kong before a team of operatives allegedly tried to trick and then force their way into her home, the Old Bailey has heard. The court is currently trying dual Chinese-British national Peter Wai, 38, and retired Hong Kong police superintendent Bill Yuen, 65, on charges under the National Security Act.
Alleged Surveillance and Intimidation Campaign
Personal assistant Monica Kwong, who left Hong Kong in 2023 with her young son amid fraud accusations she claims were a "set-up," was allegedly targeted by UK Border Force official Peter Wai on behalf of Chinese authorities. Wai, who also served as a special constable with the City of London Police, is accused of accessing the Home Office computer system while off sick or on rest days to research Ms Kwong for financial gain.
Jurors have been told that Wai was tasked by Yuen to engage in a "shadow policing" operation within the United Kingdom. This operation reportedly targeted Hong Kong dissidents, pro-democracy campaigners, and even British politicians on behalf of China. Their activities came to light on May 1, 2024, when they allegedly attempted to "take hold of" former Hong Kong resident Monica Kwong from her flat in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
Detailed Account of the Alleged Operation
On Thursday, jurors were shown a series of videos depicting the defendants' alleged attempts to gain entry to Ms Kwong's residence. The footage from April 24 showed Ms Kwong briefly opening her door to former fraud investigator Jason Davies, who claimed to have lost his ID badge. She appeared wearing pink pyjamas with her son beside her before shutting the door.
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC told the court: "Monica Kwong herself had been unaware of any of the surveillance until this point. She recalled a man coming to her door looking for his ID. Even then she did not appreciate that this was the tentacles reaching her from Hong Kong."
Over the following days, the defendants allegedly intensified their efforts to enter Ms Kwong's home with the intention of ensuring her return to China. Mr Atkinson stated the operation "involved persons connected with the Hong Kong authorities acting as if Pontefract were a town in China rather than Yorkshire."
Escalation and Forced Entry Attempt
Video from April 30 showed two men in black clothing, allegedly immigration enforcement officer Matthew Trickett and close protection officer Jonathan Dunn, approaching Ms Kwong's door. They were accompanied by her former employer, Tina Zou, who had flown in from Hong Kong that morning. After receiving no response, Trickett posted a handwritten note under the door pretending to be from the "maintenance department."
That evening, Wai, who was with a Hong Kong contingent, allegedly messaged Trickett: "They are going to kick the door in. I am not getting involved." When asked who would do that, Wai reportedly replied: "Themselves."
On May 1, Trickett was filmed using a camera on a "snake cable" under the door before pouring water underneath, claiming to be maintenance investigating a leak, prior to the door being forced. After being arrested at the scene, Wai was allegedly found with his genuine City of London special police officer warrant card and a second, fake card identifying him as a superintendent.
Charges and Defendants' Positions
The defendants face joint charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service between December 20, 2023, and May 2, 2024, and foreign interference on May 1, 2024, by forcing entry into a UK residential address. Wai additionally faces a charge of misconduct in a public office for allegedly misusing his access to the Home Office computer system.
Bill Yuen was employed by the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office (HKETO) in London, described as an extension of the Hong Kong government in the UK. Both Wai, of Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, and Yuen, of Hackney, east London, have denied all charges against them. The Old Bailey trial was adjourned until Friday.
