Chinese espionage hit hard by British and German measures. A series of co-ordinated arrests which took place in the UK and Germany yesterday. Authorities have charged several people with spying for the Chinese government. In Britain, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, two British citizens, were formally charged on Friday. For violating the Official Secrets Act on suspicion of passing classified information to a foreign power, China. Operation carried out between the years 2021 and 2023.
The arrests in Britain coincided with the detention of three other people in Germany. Suspected of espionage-like actions, including the release of information about military technology. In a separate case, German authorities also arrested an assistant to a member of the European Parliament, a member of a far-right party.
The Chinese Embassy in London responded immediately. Describing the allegations against Cash and Berry as “completely untrue” and “malicious defamation”. At the same time, he accused Great Britain of “anti-China political games”. Dominic Murphy, the head of the Counter-Terrorism Command of the Metropolitan Police in London, came with clarifications. It told the media that the charges were the result of “an extremely detailed investigation into very serious allegations.”
English espionage, brought before the court
Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry have been released on bail after appearing in court in London, Voice of America reports. He is due to appear before judges again for a preliminary hearing on May 10. While Cash has maintained his innocence, Berry and his attorneys have yet to issue any public statements.
The case comes at a time when British and European officials have expressed heightened concerns about China’s espionage activities. In 2022, Ken McCallum, the director of Britain’s internal security agency, MI5, reported that China had tried to target and influence British political officials.
Last month, the US and UK governments announced new sanctions against cyber spies. The British and Americans accusing them of attacking government officials and businessmen under Chinese coordination.
