Two men have been charged with spying for China after allegedly supplying information “useful to the enemy”.
Former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash, 29, of Whitechapel, London, was charged under the Official Secrets Act following a counter-terrorism investigation.
Christopher Berry, 32, of Witney, Oxfordshire, was also charged under the same act.
It is alleged that between December 2021 and February 2023, people obtained, recorded and published information “for a purpose detrimental to the security or interests of the State” and which “contributes, directly or indirectly, to the enemy.” Could be useful.
Cash worked in parliament for the China Research Group and has connections to senior Conservative MPs, including Foreign Affairs Committee chair Alicia Kearns and now Security Minister Tom Tugendhat.
Ms Kearns said: “In relation to the Crown Prosecution’s announcement this afternoon that two people will be charged with the offense of espionage on behalf of China: As this matter is now sub judice, it is necessary that neither I, nor Anyone else saying anything that might prejudice a criminal prosecution related to a matter of national security.
“I will not comment further.”
Both the men were arrested in March last year and have since been on police bail while the investigation is ongoing.
They will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counter-terrorism command, said: “This has been an extremely complex investigation into very serious allegations.
“We have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service as our investigation progressed and this has resulted in two people being charged today.
“We know there has been a degree of public and media interest in this case, but we would ask others to refrain from any further comment or speculation so that the criminal justice process can now take its course.”
Nick Price, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, said: “Christopher Berry, 32, and Christopher Cash, 29, will be charged with providing prejudicial information to a foreign state, China, and will appear before Westminster Magistrates. Will be in court on Friday 26th April.
