London counter-terrorism detectives arrested three men on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service as part of a broader national security probe linked to China.

Among those targeted was Monica Kwong, a Hong Kong-based individual in Pontefract, whom prosecutors allege the defendants sought to surveil and approach with deceptive methods, with one defendant allegedly using Home Office access to search for her name.

Wai, a former UK Border Force officer, is accused of misusing Home Office systems, presenting a genuine warrant card plus a forged police ID at arrest, and of seeking to monitor MPs and government personnel.

Evidence includes chats in groups like Eagle Point Human Resources Company about infiltrating pro-democracy groups and using official channels for unauthorized searches, with payments linked to HKETO and claims the activities served the Hong Kong government.

A recruit named Matthew Trickett, an immigration enforcement officer and ex-Royal Marine, is described as coordinating the operation before his death in 2024.

The case is being led under the National Security Act, with several properties searched and ongoing casework involving multiple addresses and witnesses.

Witnesses have described a ‘shadow policing’ dynamic and discussed payments and covert efforts to portray the actions as state-backed rather than routine policing.

There is uncertainty about whether remarks from a minister reference upcoming local and regional elections in May.

Parliamentary questions have questioned the credibility of spouse reports, the potential summoning of the Chinese ambassador, and considerations around a foreign influence registration scheme.

Reaction from government figures included calls to treat China as a threat and criticisms of the prime minister’s China policy, with concerns about democracy and national security implications.

The case has amplified political debate about China policy, with Conservative and Labour voices urging a stronger stance and defending UK democratic institutions.

The trial at the Old Bailey is expected to last up to nine weeks and will explore whether Hong Kong authorities sought to influence or operate within the UK.