China Spies First Convicted Under UK National Security Act

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Two men associated with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London were sentenced to prison for spying on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in the UK, marking the first successful espionage prosecution under the UK's National Security Act 2023. The case raises concerns about the diplomatic status of the HKETO, with activists calling for a review of its privileges due to its alleged use as a front for covert intelligence operations.

Two men connected to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in London have been sentenced for spying activities in a case believed to be the first successful prosecution under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act 2023 relating to espionage on behalf of China.

Bill Yuen, an office manager at the HKETO, and Peter Wai, a former UK Home Office Border Force officer, were sentenced last week at the Old Bailey. Yuen received an eight-year prison term, while Wai was sentenced to six years for assisting a foreign intelligence service linked to China, in addition to four years for misconduct in public office. The court found that Yuen played a central role in organising covert surveillance and intelligence gathering on members of the Hong Kong diaspora and pro-democracy activists residing in the UK.

Evidence indicated that Wai leveraged his Home Office position to access sensitive databases to collect information on Hong Kong activists. Between June 2023 and January 2024, a private security firm owned by Wai reportedly received nearly £95,500 from a HKETO bank account. Wai worked alongside Matthew Trickett, a Home Office immigration officer and former Marine, to conduct these operations. Trickett was charged in connection with the case in 2024 but was found dead less than a week later.

Nathan Law, a prominent pro-democracy campaigner targeted in the surveillance, fled Hong Kong in 2020 following the imposition of Beijing’s national security law, which criminalises protests and dissent. Law disclosed to reporters that surveillance of him had continued since 2021 and criticised the HKETO for allegedly acting beyond its diplomatic remit. He called on the UK government to investigate the office, expressing concern that the diplomatic status granted to the HKETO since 1996, which accords it consulate-like protections, might shield illicit intelligence activities and endanger the Hong Kong community living in the UK.

Christopher Mung, executive director of Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor and a UK-based pro-democracy activist who was also targeted, urged British authorities to reconsider the HKETO’s special status. He described the office as “a political tool for surveillance and intelligence gathering” and warned that its diplomatic privileges pose a threat to the diaspora community.

The UK Home Office stated that the government pursues a “consistent, long term, and strategic approach” toward managing relations with China, balancing cooperation and challenge in line with UK interests. Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed that there are presently no plans to revoke the HKETO’s diplomatic privileges.

The case marks a significant moment in the UK’s application of new national security legislation aimed at countering modern forms of foreign interference and espionage. It highlights ongoing concerns about the activities of foreign missions and their impact on communities within the UK. The HKETO declined to comment on the allegations.