Hidden Chinese Tracking Device ‘Found In UK Government Car’ Sparks National Security Fears

[maximus otter]

A hidden Chinese tracking device was found in a UK Government car after intelligence officials stripped back vehicles in response to growing concerns over spyware.

At least one SIM card capable of transmitting location data was discovered in a sweep of Government and diplomatic vehicles which uncovered “disturbing things”, a serving security source confirmed.

The geolocating device had been placed into a vehicle inside a sealed part imported from a supplier in China and installed by the vehicle manufacturer.

The discovery raises serious national security concerns amid heightened demands from senior politicians for an urgent review into the “systemic threat” posed by Chinese intelligence.

Officials had dismantled the British Government vehicles and swept them deliberately for Chinese tracking SIMs to step up the UK’s defence against espionage from hostile states, according to two intelligence sources. The cars are used to transport Government ministers and diplomats.

A serving intelligence officer [said] that at least one secret SIM card had been found during the searches. Such cards are capable of tracking the movement of vehicles and sending data back to state-owned suppliers in China had been found during the searches.

Cars have been “dismantled surgically down to the last nut and bolt” by intelligence workers and “rather disturbing things” have been found, the officer said.

https://inews.co.uk/news/hidden-chinese-tracking-device-government-car-national-security-2070152

maximus otter

 

[Ascalon]

For me what stands out here is that the device came through the supply chain.
It shows a complete mastery of intelligence in this route, knowing who was making the car, where it was going and what it would be used for. Also, such things are like cockroaches - they don't come along alone.
A very worrying development.

 

[Sid]

For me what stands out here is that the device came through the supply chain.
It shows a complete mastery of intelligence in this route, knowing who was making the car, where it was going and what it would be used for. Also, such things are like cockroaches - they don't come along alone.
A very worrying development.

Simple solution to this would be to make sure all transport of diplomats and the like travel only in secure British manufactured vehicles, (if there' any left?) with secure internal parts built into them.

 

[kesavaross]

Simple solution to this would be to make sure all transport of diplomats and the like travel only in secure British manufactured vehicles, (if there' any left?) with secure internal parts built into them.

Or randomly buy a second hand car from eBay, etc.

 

[Mythopoeika]

Simple solution to this would be to make sure all transport of diplomats and the like travel only in secure British manufactured vehicles, (if there' any left?) with secure internal parts built into them.

Aston Martins for everyone!

 

[Sid]

Aston Martins for everyone!

Yes, I'm sure if they stick to using them then they will find they'll BOND securely with them!

 

[TheLeeds]

It's scary how easy it is to put surveillance devices into cars and other places these days. They use the phrase sim cards, but it's basically any device fitted with a sim card. These devices have the architecture of a mobile phone. So for example if you wanted to listen to someone in a car, all you'd have to do on a very basic level is get a mobile phone, set it to silent and set it so it answers calls automatically after the first ring, then stick it inside a car dashboard. For extra longevity, you'd rig it up to the car electrical system via a mobile phone charger. Then whenever you wanted to listen in, you simply phone it up and listen for as long as you like. Virtually any innocent looking object can be made into or adapted into a surveillance device. Double mains adapters, smoke alarms, wall clocks, ashtrays, pens, sunglasses, the list is endless. Then there's the built in camera on most laptops. All the nosey gits need to do is gain access to it and Mr Yakimoto's your uncle. This technology has pretty much replaced the old FM transmitter room bugs you could buy in the Exchange and Mart for a tenner, and then listen in on a military band radio. There was, and possibly still is, a place on the A10 just north of London that sold all manner of clever stuff like this back in the day. Just imagine how much more advanced it is now.

 

[Who me]

Hmm wasn’t boris Johnson going to let the Chinese practilly run the uk internet service.
Ps not a political rant

 

[Sid]

Hmm wasn’t boris Johnson going to let the Chinese practilly run the uk internet service.
Ps not a political rant

Probably the only way to keep things as totally secure as is possible, would be to produce everything that's used in-house!

 

[Mythopoeika]

Hmm wasn’t boris Johnson going to let the Chinese practilly run the uk internet service.
Ps not a political rant

Running the Internet? I don't remember that, but there was a lot of scary talk about the Chinese building and running our nuclear power stations.
Maybe what you're talking about is the use of Chinese-made equipment in our Internet infrastructure, made by Huawei. American intelligence services gave us dire warnings about it.

 

[Who me]

Yep that’s the one mythopoeika