MI5 issues rare warning over Chinese spy agency posing as academic institute

The MI5 building on London's Millbank. 29/06/04: The parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee - which overseas the works of the intelligence services - has said in its annual report Tuesday June 29, 2004 that the focus on international terrorism is undermining the ability to deal with other security threats to the UK. The report revealed that the budget for the intelligence agencies had risen from 909 million in 2001-02 to more than 1.1 billion in the current year, with further increases in the pipeline.
The MI5 building on London's Millbank. Credit: PA

A Chinese spy agency has been posing as an academic institute to harvest expertise from British universities, MI5 has warned in an unprecedented alert.

British intelligence says the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) is, in reality, a front for Beijing’s Ministry of State Security, and has funded academic research in the UK to strengthen China’s ability to conduct espionage.

The British security service has identified more than 100 UK-linked academics who have already contributed to projects, including research into artificial intelligence and cyber security which is says have directly benefited Chinese spies.

“UK academic institutions are strongly advised to immediately review any ongoing or planned collaboration with CGTRI,” according to the warning published on MI5’s website.

“This is to ensure MSS derives no further benefit from UK universities or research institutions.”

Academics have been warned to familiarise themselves with MI5's alert. Credit: Mi5

Academics are being urged to double-check the ultimate source of funding before entering research collaborations with Chinese institutions.

They are also being warned to familiarise themselves with the National Security Act and could face prosecution now that the alert has been issued.

The Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, has written to all university Vice-Chancellors to encourage them to support staff trying to end arrangements with the cover company that would “further benefit the Chinese intelligence services”.

"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” Jarvis said.

It is the latest in a series of warnings about attempts by Chinese intelligence agencies to obtain British expertise and sensitive information.

Earlier this year, MI5 joined its counterparts in the ‘Five Eyes’ alliance – the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – by warning that Chinese military intelligence officers were posing as recruiters and consultants on professional networking websites such as LinkedIn.

The agencies said the operatives were using fake companies and other cover organisations to approach people with access to classified or privileged information.

But today’s warning is the first time British security services have independently issued such an alert.

In June, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London called the Five Eyes warning of a Chinese espionage threat “entirely fabricated” and “malicious slander”.

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