China Under Scanner For Spying On UK PM; Can Any Country Put Secret Tracking Device In PM's Car During Official Visits?

A major security concern has emerged in the United Kingdom after reports claimed that a Chinese-made tracking device was discovered inside a government vehicle used by the Prime Minister. The device was reportedly hidden within a sealed vehicle component imported from China and could transmit location data. The report has reignited concerns about foreign surveillance and advanced technologies used in government vehicles.

Chinese Tracking Device Found In UK PM's Car

According to a Telegraph report, citing intelligence sources, officials discovered the device during a detailed security inspection of government vehicles. The tracking technology was reportedly embedded inside an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). It is a critical vehicle component supplied through a complex international supply chain. As the component arrived as a sealed unit, the vehicle manufacturer was unaware that the device had been installed.

The issue first came to public attention in 2023, when reports suggested that security officials had found suspicious tracking technology in government vehicles. However, former British diplomat and China expert Charles Parton recently told lawmakers that the device had actually been found in the PM’s car in 2022. According to the Daily Mail, speaking before the Commons Business and Trade Committee, Parton said: “The prime minister's car in 2022 was emanating data to China through the cellular module.”

The Business and Trade Committee was told that a Chinese tracking device found in a Government car in 2022 was in fact in the Prime Minister’s car.

In the session, we examined the risks and rewards of economic engagement with China, including connected tech and data security. pic.twitter.com/AqFxLBHonT

— UK House of Commons Committees (@HoCcommitteesUK) June 9, 2026

What Is A Cellular Model?

A cellular module is a device that allows electronic equipment to communicate over mobile phone networks. They are commonly used in vehicles for navigation, diagnostics, emergency services, and remote updates. While the report is concerning, it remains unclear which British Prime Minister was using the vehicle at the time. In 2022, the UK had three prime ministers in office, including Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak.

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According to reports, the tracking device may have been active for several years before being discovered. The allegations have increased pressure on the UK government to adopt a tougher approach toward China. Several lawmakers have called for China to be classified as a direct "systemic threat" to UK national security.

China Refutes Claims

However, Chinese officials have strongly denied the allegations. Responding to earlier reports, Beijing dismissed the claims as unfounded and politically motivated. A spokesperson said: "We are firmly opposed to political manipulation on normal economic and trade co-operation or any smear on Chinese enterprises. "The Chinese Embassy in London also described the allegations as "sheer rumour" and "disinformation."

Can Any Country Do This?

Any country with advanced intelligence and technological capabilities can attempt it, but prime ministerial vehicles are heavily protected and regularly inspected to prevent such security breaches. As modern vehicles contain thousands of electronic components sourced from multiple countries and suppliers, proving state involvement in such cases is often difficult.

Investigators need to carry out detailed technical checks to find out whether a device was deliberately placed for spying purposes or if the security issue happened because of weaknesses in the technology or supply chain.

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