The Rest Is Classified 104. The Chinese Spy Scandal: Breaching Westminster (Ep 1)
80 snips
Dec 1, 2025 A recent MI5 alert revealed that LinkedIn is being used for a large-scale Chinese espionage campaign targeting parliament. The hosts dissect two high-profile cases of alleged spying, discussing how digital tactics, like fake profiles and hijacked meetings, are modernizing recruitment. They delve into the complexities surrounding insider insights and the influence of the United Front on UK politics. The ramifications of espionage are examined through the collapse of a key trial and international responses from allies like Australia and Canada.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
LinkedIn As A Spy Vector
- China uses professional networking sites like LinkedIn to run large-scale, covert outreach campaigns.
- MI5 warned these efforts aim to build long-term relationships rather than immediate dramatic thefts.
MSS: Scale And Mixed Missions
- The Ministry of State Security mixes domestic control, political influence, and economic espionage under one huge organization.
- Its scale and resources make Chinese intelligence uniquely able to run long, patient campaigns.
Digital Tools Fuel Classic Tradecraft
- Modern recruitment cycles blend digital tooling with classic human tradecraft like spotting, assessing, and developing targets.
- Attack chains often start with a LinkedIn message, proceed to Zoom and then to malware or in-person cultivation.