One of three men arrested on suspicion of spying for China is the partner of a Labour MP, the BBC has reported. The arrests, carried out in London and Wales, form part of a counter-terrorism policing investigation under the National Security Act.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the men, aged 39, 43 and 68, were taken into custody and searches were conducted at properties linked to them. Additional searches were carried out at three locations in London, East Kilbride and Cardiff.
Authorities stressed that there is no “imminent or direct threat to the public.”
Allegations Under the National Security Act
The men are accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service under section three of the National Security Act, which was introduced in 2023 to target individuals suspected of working against UK interests.
An offence is committed if someone is found to have materially assisted a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities, or engaged in conduct likely to assist that service.
Police Statement
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the force has seen a “significant increase” in national security casework in recent years.
“We are working to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it,” she noted.
The three men remain in custody as investigations continue.
