The government insists that it will subsequently provide “strong protection” for the ministers’ vehicles, including regular security checks. I it was revealed that a hidden Chinese tracking device had been found in the government vehicle.
At least one SIM card capable of transmitting location data has been found during inspections of government and diplomatic vehicles amid growing concern over foreign governments’ use of spyware.
According to a security source, the SIM was found in a sealed component imported from a supplier in China and installed by the car’s manufacturer.
The discovery caused a wave of excitement in Westminster and Sir Ian Duncan Smith, a senior Conservative MP, pressured the government to secure their cars.
In response to Sir Ian’s questions, the cabinet stated that government vehicles “are subject to regular security checks and are well protected”, but added that “the policy of the government is not to comment on security procedures”.
Concern about the revelations was also expressed by other MPs, including Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Alicia Kearns, who warned that hidden tracking devices could let China “know where our prime minister is going – they would know us.”
A spokesman for the prime minister said he could not comment on the specific allegations due to security concerns, but stressed that “the government takes the security concerns of both ministers and deputies very seriously.”
Officials stripped government vehicles used to transport ministers and diplomats “down to the last screw” and searched them for Chinese tracking devices to protect the vehicles from espionage, two intelligence sources said. I.
The intelligence officer said “quite disturbing things” were found, including a SIM card that could be used to track vehicles and send data to government suppliers in China.
Chinese officials deny any wrongdoing, calling the revelations “baseless and pure rumours.” They insisted that China “strongly opposes political manipulation of normal economic and trade cooperation or any slander of Chinese companies.”