The British authorities are investigating nearly 200 scientists over suspicions that they may have inadvertently transferred military technology to the PRC government, the Times newspaper reported, citing a source.
According to the publication, scientists are suspected of violating strict export laws aimed at protecting intellectual property, and transferring data of leading research in the field of advanced military technologies to China, including those related to aircraft, missile design and cyber weapons.
Many of the investigators under investigation are suspected of inadvertently breaking the law as a result of commercial deals with Chinese companies. According to the source, the British government is preparing to send a notification to scientists working in more than a dozen universities in the country.
“In the near future, we may see dozens of scientists in the courts… If at least 10% (of cases – ed.) lead to prosecution, about 20 scientists will go to prison for helping the Chinese to create superweapons”, – the source said.
The source noted that exporters of military products and those involved in the transfer of military technology specified in the 2008 Export Control Order require a license to export or transfer technology from the UK. According to the newspaper, violators of this law could face up to ten years in prison.