Two men have been charged with spying for China after allegedly supplying information which could be “useful to an enemy”.
Christopher Berry, 32, of Witney, Oxfordshire, was charged under the Official Secrets Act after a counterterrorism investigation.
Former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash, 29, of Whitechapel, London, was also charged under the same act.
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”.
Both men were arrested in March last year and have since been on police bail while the investigation continued.
They will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This has been an extremely complex investigation into what are very serious allegations.
“We’ve worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service as our investigation has progressed and this has led to the two men being charged today.
“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.”
Nick Price, head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “Christopher Berry, 32, and Christopher Cash, 29, will be charged with providing prejudicial information to a foreign state, China, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 26 April.
“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.”