Man from Oxfordshire charged with spying for China

The man from Witney is charged alongside another man from London.

Parliament at Westminster
Author: Andrea FoxPublished 22nd Apr 2024

The Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division has today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge two men with espionage offences.

32 year old Christopher Berry, of Newland Mill, Witney and Christopher Cash, 29 from Hemming Street, London have been charged with spying for China.

It is alleged that between December 2021 and February 2023, the men obtained, recorded and published information "for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state" and which could be "directly or indirectly, useful to an enemy".

Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “Criminal proceedings against the defendants are active. No-one should report, comment or share information online which could in any way prejudice their right to a fair trial.”

The Metropolitan Police also backed up this statement. Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Counter Terrorism Command, said:

"We're aware 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 run its course."

The Met Police call the case an "extremely complex investigation."

The pair will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 26th April.

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