MI5 warns Chinese spy front is funding UK researchers and stealing their work

MI5 disclosed that a Chinese intelligence service operates through a front organization called China General Technology Research Institute, sometimes styled as China Academy of General Technology, to funnel financial support to British universities and researchers. More than a hundred scholars have received grants—and in some cases awards—from this entity in exchange for access to research in artificial intelligence, cyber security, encrypted communications and steganography, which is then reportedly handed over to Chinese intelligence.

The security service has instructed UK researchers to terminate any ties with the institute, emphasizing that British law penalises both collaboration with foreign espionage agencies and the receipt of their money. Those who persist risk criminal charges. The warning follows earlier incidents of Chinese attempts to infiltrate UK academia, including coercion of Chinese students and attempts to influence research on the Uyghur situation.