MI5 issues ‘espionage alert’: British intelligence alerts UK MPs; China trying to recruit parliamentarians via hiring agents, sitesBritish intelligence agency MI5 issued an “espionage alert” to members of parliament in the UK, warning that China is trying to hire parliamentarians. Security minister Dan Jarvis told AFP that, according to the agency’s warning, Chinese intelligence services are actively trying to recruit PMs through spies disguised as headhunters. The minister is expected to deliver a statement in the Commons soon.MI5 sent its alert directly to MPs and peers, warning that two individuals linked to the Chinese intelligence service are trying to hire. The spy agency passed on this information to Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the Commons, and Lord McFall, his Lords equivalent, who then informed MPs and peers.McFall, in an email quoted by The Guardian, explained that the individuals, connected to China’s ministry of state security, are “actively reaching out to individuals in our community.” He further added that the aim of these agencies is to gather information for laying the groundwork for long-term relationships. They are doing this by using professional networking sites, recruitment agents, and consultants acting on their behalf.
