In particular, we are talking about secret research that concerns aircraft, missile design and cyber weapons
British security services are investigating nearly 200 scientists in the United Kingdom suspected of passing secret information in the field of advanced weapons to China. This was reported on Monday by The Times newspaper, citing an informed source.
According to the publication, they are suspected of violating "strict export restrictions aimed at preventing the transfer of intellectual property" in strategically important areas to hostile states.
The British government is preparing, according to the source, to send appropriate notifications to more than 200 British citizens working in more than a dozen universities in the United Kingdom. They are suspected of transmitting to China the results of secret research in the field of the most advanced military technologies related to aircraft, missile design and cyber weapons.
Many of the scientists under investigation are suspected of inadvertently violating the laws by entering into commercial transactions with Chinese companies. "In the near future, we may see dozens of scientists in the courts," a source told The Times.
Those guilty of violating the 2008 decree on export control can face up to ten years in prison, the newspaper reminds.
"Exporters of military products and those involved in the transfer of military technology referred to in the Export Control Order 2008 require a license to export or transfer [technology] from the UK," a British government spokesman said.