22 April 2024 , 15:43
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A parliamentary aide for the Conservative Party accused of spying for China has been charged with espionage offences.
Christopher Cash, who was reportedly employed as a researcher for Tory MP Alicia Kearns, was arrested for being a ‘Chinese spy’ in March 2023.
The Metropolitan Police has now charged him with breaching the Official Secrets Act, along with a second man, Christopher Berry.
Both are accused of giving ‘articles, notes, documents or information’ to a foreign state.
Cdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Counter Terrorism Command, said this has been an ‘extremely complex’ investigation into what are very serious allegations.
He added: ‘We are aware there has been a degree of public and media interest in this case.
‘But we would ask others to refrain from any further comment or speculation, so that the criminal justice process can now run its course.’
Cash, from Whitechapel, east London, and Berry, from Witney, Oxfordshire, were previously arrested last year.
Both men were then released on police bail. while the investigation continued.
Nick Price, head of the Crown Prosecution Service Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said in a statement: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division has today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge two men with espionage offences.
‘Christopher Berry, 32, and Christopher Cash, 29, will be charged with providing prejudicial information to a foreign state, China.
‘Criminal proceedings against the defendants are active. No-one should report, comment or share information online which could in any way prejudice their right to a fair trial.’
Cash and Berry will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.