A hidden camera discovered inside a UK building in central London has triggered a security investigation and renewed concerns about espionage risks targeting British institutions.
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A hidden camera was discovered in a ceiling panel at Marsham Street government complex in central London, triggering a security investigation into who installed it and how long it operated.
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The building houses the Home Office and has been involved in sensitive decisions, including approval of China's controversial mega-embassy project.
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While no foreign state is yet linked to the device, the incident adds to growing espionage concerns in the UK following recent warnings about hostile intelligence operations.
The device was reportedly found concealed within a ceiling panel at Marsham Street, a government complex occupied by the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHLG).
Sources told The iPaper that security services were informed following the discovery, which is understood to have happened within the past few months.
While the device was located in a communal area rather than near ministerial offices or classified facilities, questions remain over how it was installed, how long it had been operating, and who was responsible.
Authorities are now attempting to determine the device's origin, according to the iPaper.
Hostile governments targeting the UK
The discovery has attracted attention because the Marsham Street complex has recently been involved in high-profile decisions regarding China’s controversial “mega-embassy” project in London.
The proposed embassy – which received the go-ahead in January – has faced scrutiny from politicians, security experts, and campaigners who have raised concerns about potential espionage and national security risks.
The revelation also comes amid heightened concern over foreign espionage activity in the UK, on land and at sea.
Last week, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance warned that Chinese operatives are using fake recruitment campaigns on platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed to target government contractors and military personnel in an effort to obtain sensitive information.
Check if your data has been leaked
While there is currently no evidence suggesting that China, Russia, or any foreign state actor was responsible for the hidden camera, the incident echoes the 2023 discovery of a hidden tracking device inside a UK government vehicle during a security sweep.
The component contained a SIM card capable of transmitting location data and had been embedded within a vehicle part imported from China.
Last year the UK Ministry of Defence placed warnings in electric cars from China, banning staff and troops from discussing sensitive information amid spying fears.
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