UK government or law enforcement announcements

50-Year-Old Chinese Businessman Linked to Prince Andrew Banned from UK on Security Grounds

Dec 13, 2024, 10:12 AM

A 50-year-old Chinese businessman, identified only as H6, has been barred from entering the United Kingdom due to national security concerns. H6 had developed close ties with Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who authorized him to act on his behalf in seeking investors in China. The businessman was invited to Prince Andrew's birthday party in 2020 and was described by the Duke's senior adviser Dominic Hampshire as sitting 'at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.' The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) upheld the decision to exclude H6 from the UK, stating that his relationship with Prince Andrew could be leveraged for political interference by the Chinese state. H6's appeal was rejected, with the tribunal concluding that his exclusion was justified and proportionate. This incident raises questions about Prince Andrew's judgment, particularly in light of his previous controversies, including his association with Jeffrey Epstein. H6's devices were seized by UK authorities in November 2021, revealing direct communications about Prince Andrew's involvement. H6 had significant business interests in the UK and was linked to the United Front Work Department, an arm of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) involved in intelligence gathering and political interference.