Tory researcher charged with spying for China
A parliamentary aide for the Conservative Party accused of spying for China has been charged with espionage offences.
Christopher Cash, who was reportedly employed as a researcher for Tory MP Alicia Kearns, was arrested for being a ‘Chinese spy’ in March 2023.
The Metropolitan Police has now charged him with breaching the Official Secrets Act, along with a second man, Christopher Berry.
Cdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Counter Terrorism Command, said this has been an ‘extremely complex’ investigation into what are very serious allegations.
He added: ‘We are 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 in a statement: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division has today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge two men with espionage offences.
‘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.’
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.