Two Men Charged with Spying for China
A man from London and another from Oxfordshire have been charged with spying for China under the Official Secrets Act. Christopher Berry, 32, of Witney, and Christopher Cash, 29, of Whitechapel, are accused of passing on “information prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State,” the Metropolitan Police said.
The force described it as an “extremely complex investigation” into “very serious allegations.” The two men have been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 26.
Parliamentary Pass Holder Involved
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle informed MPs that one of the accused, Mr. Cash, held a Parliamentary pass at the time of the alleged offenses. He emphasized the sub judice rule and urged members not to discuss the matter in the chamber to avoid prejudicing the criminal trial.
Complex Investigation
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, highlighted the complexity of the investigation and the collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service. He requested that the public refrain from further comment or speculation to allow the criminal justice process to run its course.
Charges and Court Appearance
The defendants, Berry and Cash, will be charged with providing prejudicial information to China and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 26. The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the importance of not reporting, commenting, or sharing information that could compromise their right to a fair trial.
