Post by : Shakul

A British court has sentenced a former UK border official and a retired Hong Kong police officer to prison after they were found guilty of spying on pro-democracy activists and critics of Beijing living in Britain. The case has drawn significant attention amid growing concerns over foreign influence and transnational repression.

Defendants Found Guilty of Surveillance Activities

Peter Wai, a former UK Border Force officer, and Bill Yuen, a retired Hong Kong police superintendent, were convicted of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Prosecutors said the pair carried out surveillance operations and gathered information on individuals viewed as critics of the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.

Activists and Politicians Among Targets

According to court proceedings, the targets included prominent Hong Kong democracy activists, former lawmakers and British politicians who had publicly criticized Beijing. Prosecutors stated that some of the individuals being monitored were referred to by derogatory terms by those involved in the operation.

Prison Terms Handed Down

At London's Central Criminal Court, Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb sentenced 41-year-old Peter Wai to 10 years in prison. Bill Yuen, aged 66, received an eight-year prison sentence. The judge described their actions as deliberate, coordinated and serious, causing fear and distress among those targeted.

Misuse of Official Position Revealed

Wai was also convicted of misconduct in public office after using government computer systems to search for personal information connected to individuals of interest to Hong Kong authorities. Investigators said this misuse of official resources formed a key part of the case.

Authorities Condemn the Operation

Counter Terrorism Policing officials described the activities as deeply concerning, saying the operation targeted individuals who had sought safety in the United Kingdom while campaigning for democracy and political freedoms. British authorities stressed that such actions would not be tolerated.

Diplomatic Tensions Follow Verdict

Following the convictions, the Chinese ambassador to the UK was summoned by the British government. China rejected the allegations and described the case as politically motivated, while Hong Kong authorities denied any connection to the activities. The case has further strained already sensitive relations between London, Hong Kong and Beijing.

#world news #Politics #Crime #GeoPolitics #Politics News