MI5 Warns UK of Chinese Spies Using LinkedIn Profiles

The British government has unveiled a new action plan after MI5 issued a security alert warning MPs, Peers and Parliamentary staff that Chinese intelligence officers are using fake “headhunter” profiles on LinkedIn to target individuals with access to sensitive state information.

According to MI5, at least two seemingly legitimate recruiter accounts were identified as fronts for Chinese intelligence, designed to cultivate long-term relationships with political figures and parliamentary employees who may hold or influence confidential information.

UK Launches New Counter-Espionage Framework

Following the warning, Security Minister Dan Jarvis announced a comprehensive Counter Political Interference and Espionage Action Plan to counter foreign state-linked operations.

The plan includes:

• Security briefings for political parties

• New guidance for election candidates on spotting and reporting suspicious approaches

• Collaboration with platforms like LinkedIn to restrict intelligence operations

• Stricter political donation regulations under a new Elections Bill

  

Jarvis said the UK will keep pursuing economic engagement with China but will oppose any actions that undermine democratic institutions.

New Funding to Strengthen Security Infrastructure

The government also announced major investment to reinforce national security:

• £170 million for upgrading secure, encrypted communications across the civil service

• £130 million for enhancing counter-terror policing under the National Security Act

• Support for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) to help secure intellectual property and critical sectors

Jarvis also confirmed that surveillance equipment manufactured by companies governed by China’s National Intelligence Law has been removed from all sensitive UK government sites.

Political Backdrop and Earlier Case Collapse

The MI5 alert comes weeks after the government dropped a case against two British nationals accused of spying for China, citing inadequate evidence to prove a national security threat. The decision sparked political debate, with opposition parties accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of prioritising diplomatic ties over security concerns — an allegation the government denies.

The timing of the warning is notable as ministers consider whether to approve a new Chinese embassy in London, which critics argue may increase security risks.