Three men arrested including suspect in Powys as counter-terror officers launch national security investigation
THREE men have been arrested in Wales and London on suspicion of assisting Chinese intelligence services in the United Kingdom.
Counter-terrorism officers detained the suspects on Wednesday (Mar 4) as part of an investigation under the National Security Act, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Two of the arrests took place in Wales.
A 68-year-old man was arrested at an address in Powys, within the Dyfed-Powys Police force area, while a 43-year-old man was detained in Pontyclun in Rhondda Cynon Taf. A third suspect, aged 39, was arrested in London.
Officers also carried out searches at several properties linked to the investigation, including addresses in Cardiff and East Kilbride in Scotland.
Police said the arrests relate to suspected offences involving assisting a foreign intelligence service. The investigation is understood to concern alleged links to Chinese intelligence activity in the UK.
The operation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, which is responsible for national security investigations across Britain.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the suspects remain in custody while enquiries continue.
Police also sought to reassure the public that there is no immediate danger.
A spokesperson said: “There is no imminent or direct threat to the public.”
The arrests were made under the National Security Act 2023, legislation introduced to strengthen the UK’s powers to investigate espionage, foreign interference and covert activity linked to hostile states.
According to reports in The Guardian, one of the men arrested is the partner of a sitting Labour MP, while another is reported to be the partner of a former Labour MP. Police have not confirmed the identities of the suspects.
The investigation is ongoing.
