MI5 warns UK research funded by China front company aided Beijing spies

MI5 has warned that more than 100 academics linked to British institutions unwittingly contributed to Chinese espionage operations through research funded by an alleged front company.

According to BBC News, the UK security service said China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) has “very strong ties” to China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).

“MI5 has identified that the primary purpose of CGTRI is to fund academic research that directly improves MSS technical capability for espionage,” the agency said.

Projects involving UK academics reportedly covered artificial intelligence, cyber-security, covert communications and steganography.

MI5 said many researchers and institutions may have engaged with CGTRI “in good faith” because its links to Chinese security services had been concealed.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: “This alert exposes attempts by Chinese intelligence to covertly benefit from the expertise and research of our academics, undermining our national security, and that of our allies.”

MI5 urged universities to immediately review ongoing or planned collaborations with CGTRI.