London ETO manager convicted under UK National Security Act; Beijing & HK gov denounce verdict

發佈日期: 2026-05-08 20:10

TVB News

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A former manager at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London has been convicted of assisting a foreign intelligence service in violation of the UK National Security Act. 

The Chinese Embassy in the UK says London has manipulated judicial procedures. 

The verdict was delivered at the Old Bailey -- or the Central Criminal Court in London. 

The two defendants are 66-year-old Bill Yuen, an executive manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, and 38-year-old Peter Wai -- a former British border officer.

The case alleged that between December 2023 and May 2024, the pair assisted Hong Kong intelligence agencies by conducting surveillance on pro-democracy activists residing in the UK, in violation of the UK National Security Act. 

Both were arrested by British police in May 2024 and charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and foreign interference. 

Peter Wai faced an additional charge of misconduct in public office. 

The trial began in early March, and both pleaded not guilty.

The jury reached a 10-to-2 majority verdict, finding both men guilty of assisting a foreign intelligence service, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. 

The jury unanimously convicted Peter Wai of misconduct in public office, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. 

On the charge of foreign interference, the jury was unable to reach a verdict. 

Both defendants were remanded in custody pending sentencing next Friday.

Following the verdict, UK Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis says the defendants' activities infringed upon British sovereignty.

The Chinese Embassy in the UK issued a statement saying Britain manipulated judicial procedures to support anti-China elements fleeing to the UK.

Spokesperson, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs LIN JIAN: "By arresting assumed Chinese nationals in the UK without any factual basis in securing the conviction by abusing the law and judicial proceedings, UK's blatanting endorsing the anti-China destabilising forces. Such groundless accusation and smears against China are nothing but a typical political stunt."

In Hong Kong, the government says Hong Kong was never a party to the case and firmly opposes all "unfounded accusations" made.

Executive Council member and Senior Counsel Ronny Tong says the case is politically motivated.

Executive Council Member and Senior Counsel RONNY TONG: "This is a very distressing decision. These non-UK residents are being wanted by a place or another country for violation of criminal law. Now, what has that to do with UK's national security? I can't possibly think that a non-UK resident is key to the national security of the United Kingdom. It just boggles the mind, I think. So the only explanation is that this is a political ploy to irritate China or to irritate Hong Kong government."

He says the government has a duty to assist the defendants to appeal the case.