The UK security forces are investigating nearly 200 UK scientists suspected of providing China with classified information on the latest weapons, The Times reported, citing an informed source.

According to the newspaper, they are suspected of violating strict export restrictions aimed at preventing the transfer of intellectual property in strategically important areas to hostile states.

The UK government is preparing to send appropriate notifications to over 200 British citizens working in more than a dozen UK universities. They are suspected of transferring to China the results of secret research on the most advanced military technologies related to aircraft, missile design, and cyber weapons.

Many of the scientists under investigation are suspected of inadvertently breaking the law by entering into commercial deals with Chinese companies.

Those guilty of violating the 2008 export control decree could face up to ten years in prison, the newspaper notes.