U.K. Investigates Death of Man Charged with Spying for Hong Kong

British police are investigating the unexplained death of Matthew Trickett, a 37-year-old man charged earlier this month with assisting Hong Kong’s foreign intelligence service. Trickett was found dead in Maidenhead, southern England, after police received a call from a member of the public on Sunday.

In a statement, police confirmed they are treating Trickett’s death as unexplained. Trickett’s solicitor expressed shock at his client’s sudden death and stated he would be unable to comment further while the investigation is ongoing. Trickett’s family also issued a statement, saying they are “mourning the loss of a much-loved son, brother, and family member.”

Trickett, a former Royal Marine working for a private security firm, was one of three men granted bail at a May 13 court hearing after being charged with two offences under Britain’s National Security Act. This Act, passed last year, introduced new measures to counter threats from foreign states.

The case has intensified a diplomatic row between Britain and China. On May 14, Britain’s foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador, stating that espionage and cyber-attacks were unacceptable on British soil. In response, the Chinese Embassy in London accused Britain of fabricating the charges against Trickett and the other men, asserting that Britain had no right to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs.

The ongoing investigation into Trickett’s death and the espionage charges continue to strain the already tense relations between the two countries.