Retired Police Officer Denies Chinese Spy Allegations in High-Profile UK Trial
In a dramatic courtroom revelation, a retired police officer accused of orchestrating a spy ring for the Chinese government has vehemently denied the charges, describing himself as "quite a boring guy" and insisting his return to work was merely to appease his wife. Billy Yuen, 64, from Dalston in east London, faces allegations of operating an espionage network from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in central London's Bedford Square.
Alleged Surveillance and Financial Pursuits
According to prosecutors, Yuen allegedly directed Peter Wai, a 39-year-old UK Border Force officer from Staines, Surrey, to conduct surveillance on dissidents within the UK and pursue a substantial £16 million debt owed to a Chinese businesswoman. Both men have entered not guilty pleas, denying any involvement in assisting Chinese intelligence services through activities such as information gathering, surveillance, or deceptive acts under the National Security Act 2023.
During police interviews, Yuen expressed deep affection for the UK, stating, "Hand on my heart, I have nothing to hide." He highlighted his 37-year career with the former Royal Hong Kong Police Force and his family's ties to Britain, noting that he sent his daughter to study here in 2009 and his son in 2012, followed by his wife. Upon retiring in 2015 with a monthly pension of approximately £4,600 and property holdings in Hong Kong, Yuen claimed he had no financial need to work.
Wife's Influence and Office Role
Yuen explained that his wife grew tired of his idleness at home, prompting him to seek employment. He recounted how she spotted an advertisement in a Chinatown free newspaper for an office manager position at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office. He secured the role as "administrative division head," responsible for managing the office, recruiting staff, and overseeing finances in the historic 266-year-old building on Bedford Square.
In Hong Kong, Yuen had advanced to the rank of superintendent, working in the Marine headquarters and later contributing to technology development for the traffic unit. He described meeting Peter Wai after a meal in Chinatown, where a friend introduced them. Wai, who served as a special constable for the City of London Police, presented himself as a superintendent and operated a security consultancy business.
Friendship and Additional Charges
Yuen employed Wai to provide close protection security for the HKETO, leading to a friendship between the two. However, Wai also faces separate charges of misconduct in public office for allegedly conducting unjustified searches of Home Office databases. The trial continues as both defendants maintain their innocence, with Yuen emphasizing his loyalty to the UK and dismissing the spy allegations as baseless.
