MI5 Warns UK MPs of Chinese Intelligence Recruitment Efforts via LinkedIn

London, England – The British intelligence agency MI5 has issued a warning to members of parliament (MPs) regarding a potential espionage threat linked to the Chinese government. The alert specifically mentions two individuals, Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, who are believed to be using LinkedIn to recruit parliamentarians and gather sensitive information.

On Tuesday morning, MI5 notified the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, and the Lord Speaker, John McFall, about the recruitment efforts by Qiu and Shen. Security Minister Dan Jarvis confirmed this alert in a Commons statement, saying the activity represents a calculated attempt by foreign powers to interfere with UK affairs.

According to MI5, Qiu, who leads BR-YR Executive Search, and Shen, affiliated with Internship Union, are creating long-term relationships with individuals who have access to sensitive political and economic information. The agency reported that both individuals have extensive LinkedIn profiles through which they conduct outreach.

In his email to the peers, McFall explained that the pair is connected to China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) and are actively targeting MPs, civil servants, and staff from think tanks to lay the groundwork for potential intelligence gathering.

Qiu’s LinkedIn profile lists her as a chief executive based in Beijing, with interests including the UK’s Department for Transport. Shen, based in Hangzhou, presents herself as a co-founder of Internship Union, which claims to facilitate internships for students in China.

The MI5 alert indicates that such recruitment tactics are part of a broader strategy by Chinese intelligence to leverage professional networking sites to collect classified information. Jarvis noted that these methods have previously resulted in attempts to lure over 10,000 Britons through fraudulent job offers.

The intelligence agency has also hinted at the extensive nature of this espionage campaign, highlighting that it focuses on individuals who are close to key political figures and processes.

As the government strengthens its response, Jarvis announced initiatives, including a new espionage action plan, aimed at safeguarding sensitive information within the UK governance framework.

Officials from both Qiu and Shen have been approached for comments regarding these allegations, but no responses have been provided yet.