LONDON, Sept 15 (Reuters) – British authorities announced on Monday that they have decided to drop the charges against two men, one of whom had been employed as a researcher for a senior member of Parliament, who were accused of spying for China.

The individuals, Christopher Cash, 30, a former aide, and Christopher Berry, 33, both citizens of the UK, had faced allegations of sharing information that was harmful to national interests, infringing upon the Official Secrets Act, during the period between December 2021 and February 2023. Both had maintained their innocence.

Their trial was scheduled to begin next month, but during a session at the Old Bailey in London, lead prosecutor Tom Little stated that no further evidence would be submitted in the case. He explained that "we simply cannot continue to prosecute this case," though he did not elaborate further on the reasoning behind the decision.

The investigation had been one among several in the UK addressing concerns over alleged espionage linked to China.

The British authorities have previously warned that individuals acting on behalf of the Chinese state were targeting influential figures in sectors such as government, defense, and commerce in a bid to obtain confidential information through increasingly advanced tactics.

In response, China has consistently denied these claims, calling them exaggerated and unfounded.