Two men accused of spying for China in the UK granted bail after appearing in London court

Two men accused of spying for China, including a former researcher at the UK’s House of Parliament, have been granted bail after appearing in court in London. Christopher Cash, 29, and Christopher Berry, 32, were charged with violating the Official Secrets Act by providing information that could be “useful to an enemy” and “prejudicial to the safety or interests” of the UK between late 2021 and February 2023.

It is alleged that both men were in contact with each other and with a person suspected of being a Chinese intelligence agent. The Chinese Embassy has denied the allegations, calling them “completely fabricated” and “malicious slander,” and urging the UK to “stop anti-China political manipulation.”

Cash, a former parliamentary researcher who worked with senior lawmakers from the governing Conservatives, was ordered not to enter Parliament or contact members of the House of Commons. Berry, reportedly an academic based in Oxfordshire who has taught in China since 2015, was also ordered not to travel outside the UK or contact Cash.

The case has been adjourned to May 10 for a preliminary hearing at London’s Central Criminal Court. This news comes on the same day that three people were arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying for China and arranging to transfer information on technology with potential military uses.

British intelligence authorities have been increasingly vocal about Beijing’s covert activities in recent years, highlighting the growing concern over espionage and foreign interference.