MI5 warns ministers about espionage threat as government departments at odds over visa rules

This is relevant to banks for account opening and diligence for KYC and AML. The Times story is on UK but it is timely and relevant to Canada where the Government kicked off an investigation on Chinese disinformation and election interference.

Chinese spies buying citizenship to third countries and slipping into UK

There are fears that Russia could follow China’s lead to get its spies into the country. James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, has gained the nickname “Mr Softy”

The National Crime Agency has also presented evidence that serious organised crime groups are using the so-called “cash-for-passport” schemes to smuggle people into the UK after several individuals on Interpol’s watchlist have been found using the route.

Countries that the authorities fear are being exploited by Chinese spies and organised crime groups include Vanuatu in the South Pacific, Namibia in southern Africa and Timor-Leste in southeast Asia.

These are among a growing number of countries that allow foreign nationals to acquire citizenship by investing or paying a relatively small amount of money in the country.

Unlike China, they are also on the UK’s list of countries whose citizens do not need to obtain a visa to come to Britain for up to six months.

Tags: #AML #KYC @china