China Spies: Ex-Marine & Border Force Officer Accused of UK ‘Shadow Policing’

Allegations of Chinese Shadow Policing in the UK: Former Royal Marine and Border Force Officer on Trial

A former Royal Marine and a UK Border Force officer are standing trial in the Old Bailey, accused of conducting covert surveillance and intelligence gathering on behalf of Hong Kong authorities within the United Kingdom. The allegations center around “shadow policing operations” targeting Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and political figures, raising serious questions about foreign interference and national security. The case, which began on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, involves retired Hong Kong police superintendent Chung Biu (Bill) Yuen, 65, and Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, 38, who previously served with the UK Border Force.

The prosecution alleges that Yuen supervised Wai, along with Matthew Trickett, a former Royal Marine and immigration enforcement officer, while they were employed by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the UK. Trickett, who played a “key role” in the alleged operation, died in May 2024 and is not part of the current trial. The charges against Yuen and Wai stem from actions allegedly taken between December 20, 2023, and May 2, 2024, including information gathering, hostile surveillance, and acts of deception.

What is Allegedly at the Heart of the Case?

According to prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC, the accused undertook “special hostile activity” targeting individuals within the Hong Kong diaspora now residing in the UK. This included gathering intelligence on exiles reportedly targeted with £100,000 bounties linked to their involvement in pro-democracy protests. Activist Nathan Law was specifically named as a target of this intelligence gathering. The alleged activities extended to researching dissidents, compiling details about their vehicles, addresses, and social media accounts – referring to them, disturbingly, as “cockroaches.”

The court heard evidence of surveillance footage taken of Nathan Law outside the Oxford Union in November 2023, allegedly facilitated by Trickett at the direction of Wai. Further allegations detail a coordinated attempt to gain access to the flat of Monica Kwong, who left Hong Kong in December 2023, accused of fraud. This involved posing as electricians, creating a false plumbing emergency, and ultimately attempting to force entry into her residence – described by Atkinson as a “ghost operation” mirroring tactics used by Hong Kong police.

Access to Sensitive Data and Potential Misuse of Power

A significant aspect of the case revolves around the access Wai and Trickett had to sensitive Home Office databases due to their positions within UK Border Force. Wai, who worked for the Border Force from December 2020 and also served as a special constable with the City of London Police, is accused of misusing these systems for personal gain, conducting searches without justification. The prosecution claims he was being paid £2,000 a month for his alleged activities. This raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the vulnerability of sensitive data within government agencies. You can find more information about the role of the UK Border Force on the UK government website.

The Charges and Legal Framework

Yuen and Wai are charged with offenses under the National Security Act, a piece of legislation enacted to protect the UK from state-sponsored threats. Specifically, they are accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service, undertaking foreign interference, and, in Wai’s case, misconduct in a public office. The National Security Act 2023, which came into force in July 2023, provides a legal framework for countering espionage, sabotage, and foreign interference. Details about the National Security Act can be found on the UK Legislation website.

Confirmed vs. Unclear Details

Confirmed:

Chung Biu Yuen, 65, and Chi Leung (Peter) Wai, 38, are on trial.
Both are dual Chinese and British nationals.
They are accused of breaching the National Security Act.
Matthew Trickett, a former Royal Marine and Border Force officer, was also involved but died in May 2024.
Wai worked for UK Border Force and as a special constable.
The allegations involve surveillance of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and political figures.

Unclear:

The full extent of the alleged intelligence gathering and its impact.
The specific details of the £100,000 bounties mentioned in court.
The precise nature of Wai’s alleged misconduct within the Home Office databases.
The motivations behind the alleged actions of the defendants beyond the prosecution’s claims.

Background: Hong Kong’s Political Climate and Diaspora

The case unfolds against a backdrop of increasing political tension between China and the UK, particularly concerning the situation in Hong Kong. Following the imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong in 2020, many pro-democracy activists and residents have fled the region, seeking asylum in countries like the UK. This has led to concerns about potential attempts by Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to monitor and suppress dissent among the diaspora community. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, where Yuen was employed, serves as a diplomatic mission representing the Hong Kong government in the UK.

What Happens Next?

The trial is expected to last up to nine weeks. The prosecution, led by Duncan Atkinson KC, will continue to present evidence, and the defense will have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and present their case. The jury will ultimately decide whether the defendants are guilty of the charges against them. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for UK-China relations and the protection of individuals seeking refuge from political persecution.

The case highlights the growing concerns surrounding foreign interference and the necessitate for robust safeguards to protect national security and individual liberties. It also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting complex cases involving alleged state-sponsored espionage.