Acquitted 'China Spy': A British Perspective
A British man, Chris Cash, formerly a parliamentary researcher, has shared his story with the BBC after being charged with spying for China, only later to be acquitted. He reveals how he became a "convenient fall guy" for UK security services investigating espionage threats from foreign states.
Cash had been exchanging messages with Chris Berry, a friend from their time teaching English in China. These messages, shared with the BBC, shed light on China's concerns regarding UK political matters, including the 2022 Tory leadership race. Berry's detailed accounts of his meetings with a high-ranking Chinese official, as described in voice notes, paint a picture of a complex situation.
Cash admits to being "unprofessional and naive" in his communication with Berry, sending "gossiping" texts while using Berry as a reference for a parliamentary pass, which was approved. Despite discussing sensitive topics, there is no evidence suggesting Cash was paid or sympathetic to the Chinese Communist Party.
He believes his case was a warning to others, as the UK government had previously claimed Chinese spies were targeting officials across various sectors. Berry, who provided reports to a Chinese company, maintained his innocence, stating the reports contained no classified information.
Cash returned to the UK in 2019, expressing guilt over his involvement in a system he disagreed with. He later joined a policy group led by China-sceptic Conservative MPs. Berry remained in China, working for a consultancy with government links.
The prosecution claimed the men's messages, sent via Signal, contained information passed to individuals linked to the Chinese state. Both men were charged with espionage but consistently pleaded not guilty. The case collapsed due to a lack of official classification of China as an "enemy," leading to accusations of political interference.
Berry described his meeting with the official as a "psychological game of chess" and a "test," indicating the intricate nature of international espionage.