Regarding the sentencing in the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (London) espionage case, two defendants — HKETO office manager Yuen Chung-biu and former UK Border Force officer Wai Chi-leung — were last month found guilty by a jury under the National Security Act 2023 of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Wai was also found guilty of misconduct in public office. Both were sentenced today, with Yuen receiving eight years’ imprisonment, and Wai sentenced to a total of ten years, having also been convicted of misconduct in public office.
In relation to the sentencing, Christopher Mung, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor, said “This sentences are well deserved, and we hope they serve as a strong deterrent.”,
He added: “This case has shown that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office was involved in transnational repression targeting Hong Kongers in the UK. Simply removing the names of those involved from official records does not erase HKETO’s responsibility for directing and facilitating these activities. As long as the HKETO continues to operate in its current form, it remains a source of concern for Hong Kong communities living in Britain.”
He further urged the UK Government to review the privileges granted to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices and to take stronger action to protect those targeted by foreign interference, harassment, and intimidation on British soil.
While 11 people were arrested in this case, only three have been prosecuted. Christopher called on the authorities to continue their investigations and ensure that anyone involved is held accountable.
He also urged the UK Government to move swiftly in establishing stronger safeguards against transnational repression, including a dedicated unit to handle such cases, a reporting hotline for victims, and greater public awareness of the threat posed by foreign interference and intimidation.