Home Office report author describes attempts to compromise his research
10 reported
Dr David Wilson, author of a Home Office-sponsored report on the Chinese state and organised crime in the UK, has described multiple attempts to influence him or discredit his work. Wilson told of an approach by a former British police officer who had been a Chinese citizen before naturalising in the UK. He also received around 20 to 25 LinkedIn connection requests from women with minimal profiles, which he believed were false personas. A man claiming to be a businessman with ties to the Chinese government also contacted him persistently. Wilson said he believed the approaches bore the imprint of the United Front Work Department, an organ of the Chinese government. His report, declassified in February, was based on interviews with officials from 14 UK law enforcement agencies.
What’s reported
Dr David Wilson authored a Home Office-sponsored report on the Chinese state and organised crime in the UK.
The report was declassified in February.
Wilson was warned during early interviews with former Hong Kong police officers that he would be a target for honey traps or bribes.
A former British police officer, who was a naturalised British citizen and former Chinese citizen, called Wilson and suggested meeting at a specific Chinese restaurant.
Wilson received around 20 to 25 LinkedIn connection requests from women with no profile details, which he considered false personas.
A man claiming to be a businessman with close ties to the Chinese government contacted Wilson and offered help.
Wilson reported the businessman’s profile to the appropriate authorities.
A Five Eyes bulletin released last week highlighted an aggressive online strategy by Beijing military intelligence on LinkedIn.
Wilson believes the approaches bore the imprint of the United Front Work Department.
Wilson’s report detailed links between senior organised crime group members and those in the Chinese consulate, and highlighted exploitation of Chinese students.
Key figures
Dr David Wilson: Author of the Home Office-sponsored report, former police inspector, West Midlands regional coordinator for the national Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce.
Sources: The Guardian
