UK security agency MI5 has issued a warning to universities following a plot by China’s MSS to steal research
The UK’s counter-espionage unit, MI5, has issued a warning to universities to avoid partnering with China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), which it says directly funds and improves the country’s foreign intelligence service, the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
MI5 says its alert puts CGTRI’s links to the MSS into the public domain, and that more than 100 UK-linked academics who have contributed to research projects funded by the MSS through CGTRI should be aware of the National Security Act 2023.
Potential Legal Action
The security agency released an alert which says: “Many academic institutions and individuals will to date have engaged with CGTRI in good faith given CGTRI’s obfuscated links to MSS.”
It further elaborates on the potential severity of universities’ own activities and asserts that institutions should seek legal advice and guidance from HMG’s Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT) and the Trusted Research guidance produced by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).
It warns researchers, academics and institutions that continuing to conduct research ultimately funded by CGTRI following the publication of the alert could expose them to prosecution under sections 3 and 17 of the National Security Act 2023.
China has long been accused of international espionage, including governmental concerns over data processed through TikTok and an alleged spying operation at the African Union’s headquarters in Ethiopia. Both China and the AU denied the latter accusation, despite reports alleging otherwise.
Photo: Chmee2
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