A BBC journalist is under investigation by the UK’s security services over alleged links to Chinese espionage, according to reports.
Sources told the Mail on Sunday that the journalist is suspected of cultivating potential targets for a hostile state while previously working in Brussels for another media outlet.
The person remains employed by the BBC, which has refused the Mail’s request for comment.
It comes as Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel urged a swift conclusion to the inquiry to determine whether the broadcaster was “actively undermining the security of the country.”
She said: “China is a threat to Britain and anyone attempting to undermine the security of our country and the security organisations which keep us and our allies safe must be fully investigated.”
Sources claim the journalist, before joining the BBC, allegedly used his role in Brussels to approach senior figures within international organisations.
The sources say he targeted people with access to sensitive military intelligence and may have attempted to “honeytrap” officials.
According to the claims, three security agencies are examining alleged “sexual overtures” he made to high-level individuals, while investigators are still assessing whether any information about Western security services may have been passed to China.
The investigation — which is understood to be known to the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, including MI5 — is now working to establish the extent of any potential impact on national security.
Insiders say there is a growing recognition that he may have gained far deeper access to the security apparatus than initially assumed, according to the Mail.
After leaving Brussels, the journalist went on to be hired by the BBC.
The BBC individual did not respond to requests for comment.
It comes as deputy national security adviser Matt Collins said last month that China’s intelligence services are engaged in “large-scale espionage” against the UK, while also stressing that the Government aims to maintain a “positive relationship” with Beijing.
In a witness statement that ultimately contributed to the collapse of the China spy case, Mr Collins said the UK sought to “strengthen understanding, cooperation and stability” in its relationship with Beijing.
He provided three witness statements for the Crown Prosecution Service, but the case was dropped after it was deemed the evidence did not show China was a threat to national security.
The Conservatives have since pressed ministers over their handling of the collapsed trial of Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry.
Both men, who deny wrongdoing, had been accused of passing secrets to China, but charges against them were dropped last month.
