MI5 warns UK academics their research may have helped Chinese spies
Institutions told to trace who is really financing their work or risk falling foul of national security law
British intelligence agency MI5 has issued a warning that over a hundred UK academics may have aided Chinese espionage efforts through their research collaborations. The Security Service has publicly named the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), also known as the China Academy of General Technology, as a prime suspect.
CGTRI is alleged to have close ties to China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), the country's civilian intelligence agency. The institute's primary mission, according to MI5, is to support academic research that enhances the MSS's technical espionage capabilities. Over one hundred UK academics have contributed to CGTRI-funded projects related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications, and steganography.
Some researchers may have been unaware of the ultimate source of the funding. MI5 states that this activity poses a threat to UK national security. The Security Service emphasizes that many institutions and individuals likely worked with CGTRI unknowingly, due to the institute's convoluted connections to the MSS. MI5 strongly advises UK universities to immediately review any ongoing or planned collaborations with CGTRI and ensure that the MSS does not gain further advantage from British research.
Researchers are also warned to verify the ultimate funding sources and avoid any association with CGTRI. The National Security Act 2023 provides relevant offenses, including assisting a foreign intelligence service under section 3 and obtaining a material benefit from one under section 17. Any institution or researcher continuing to work with CGTRI should seek independent legal counsel.
MI5 has put universities on notice that while ignorance of the true funding source may have been acceptable in the past, it is no longer a viable defense.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
