UK Government Acknowledges It Is Investigating Cyber Incident After Media Reports

The British government says it is investigating a cyber incident after media reports claimed hackers linked to China accessed thousands of confidential documents held by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. According to Associated Press, Trade Minister Chris Bryant said the investigation began in October and that there is a fairly low risk that anyone’s personal information has been compromised.

The Sun reported that Storm 1849, a hacking gang linked to the Chinese government, may have gained access to information related to tens of thousands of visas. Bryant told the BBC that such claims are speculative and not necessarily evidence of direct China involvement, as Britain tries to balance cautious diplomacy with competing national interests. The developments come amid ongoing scrutiny of China-related espionage concerns as the government weighs its relationship with Beijing.