A suspected Chinese spy with business ties to Prince Andrew has been barred from entering the U.K. due to national security concerns. As per the sources of Leaders team, a British immigration tribunal upheld this decision, revealing that the individual had formed such close ties with Prince Andrew that he was even invited to the prince’s birthday celebration.
The government expressed concerns that the Chinese national, who was allegedly working with the United Front Work Department—an organization linked to the Chinese Communist Party—could exploit his relationships with influential U.K. figures for political interference. Officials believed he was strategically positioned to foster connections between senior Chinese officials and prominent British individuals.
In response, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, stated that he ceased all communication with the individual as soon as the government raised concerns. He clarified that their meetings occurred through official channels and no sensitive topics were discussed.
According to the sources of Leaders team, the tribunal’s decision highlighted evidence of the businessman’s ties to the prince, including correspondence indicating his role as an intermediary for potential Chinese investors and partners. Documents recovered also suggested the individual had been involved in discreetly arranging meetings with Prince Andrew, bypassing other royal advisors.
The businessman, who had been residing in the U.K. periodically since 2002, had previously worked as a junior civil servant in China and later built a consulting business advising U.K. companies on operations in China. He was stopped at the U.K. border in November 2021, where authorities found incriminating documents on his devices, solidifying suspicions about his activities.
This case comes amidst broader concerns in the U.K. about China’s efforts to exert influence on its political systems. British intelligence has previously flagged similar issues, including warnings about improper lobbying and suspected espionage involving Chinese nationals.
