A high-profile trial at London’s Old Bailey central criminal court has entered a critical phase as Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, a former Hong Kong police superintendent, testified against allegations of orchestrating surveillance operations targeting Hong Kong dissidents in Britain. Yuen, who holds dual British and Hong Kong citizenship, categorically denied instructing his co-defendant Chi Leung “Peter” Wai—a former UK Border Force officer—to monitor pro-democracy activists residing in London.
The court heard how Yuen transitioned from his law enforcement career in Hong Kong to relocating in the UK in 2015, subsequently securing employment as an office manager at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in central London. His testimony revealed that following the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, the London HKETO premises became a regular site for demonstrations, significantly altering his security responsibilities.
Yuen described escalating tensions outside the diplomatic mission, including an incident where protesters inserted flares through the building’s letterbox. He particularly highlighted the November 2019 visit of Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, alleging she received inadequate police protection and sustained a broken wrist after being pushed to the ground by protesters.
According to Yuen’s account, these security concerns prompted him to seek private security assistance, leading to his restaurant meeting with Wai in Chinatown. Yuen stated he believed Wai was an active police officer operating a parallel private security business, unaware that his superintendent identification credentials were fabricated.
The prosecution presented video evidence showing Wai positioned in the front passenger seat of Hong Kong Financial Secretary Christopher Hui’s vehicle during 2023 protests, where demonstrators blocked the official car. Yuen recalled sitting in the rear during this incident, describing how one protester specifically targeted him with personal threats and familial curses.
Both defendants plead not guilty to charges of assisting a foreign intelligence service and engaging in foreign interference activities. Wai additionally denies misconduct in public office allegations related to unauthorized searches of Home Office databases. The trial continues with expectations of concluding next month.