Chinese firm backing Hinkley accused of nuclear espionage

The Chinese firm which is going to invest £6 billion in Hinkley Point is facing charges of nuclear espionage in the US. It has been alleged that China General Nuclear Power […]

The Chinese firm which is going to invest £6 billion in Hinkley Point is facing charges of nuclear espionage in the US.

It has been alleged that China General Nuclear Power (CGN) tried to steal the country’s nuclear technology secrets.

The news follows UK’s Government announcement in July to delay the nuclear project in Somerset. CGN will have a 33.5% share in the nuclear project.

CGN nuclear engineer Allen Ho, has been accused of “approaching and enlisting” US nuclear experts to provide integral assistance in developing and producing special material in China.

The indictment added that Mr Ho, under the direction of CGN, also allegedly facilitated the travel to China and payments to the US based experts in exchange for their services.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin said: “Ho did so without registering with the Department of Justice as an agent of a foreign nation or authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy.

“The prosecution of individuals who potentially endanger our US citizens by violating laws enacted to ensure our national security, has been and will remain a priority for the US Attorney’s Office in eastern Tennessee.”

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