Last week, a former British Royal Marine was accused of assisting the Chinese government in monitoring Hong Kong activists in the UK. On Tuesday, May 21st, the police announced that the individual was found dead in a park with the cause of death being unknown. The Royal Marine is currently awaiting trial.
According to reports from British media, 37-year-old Home Office Immigration Enforcement Officer Matthew Trickett was discovered dead by a member of the public in Grenfell Park in Maidenhead, Berkshire on Sunday night. Authorities described his death as “unexplained.”
On May 14th, Trickett appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court facing two charges under the 2023 National Security Law.
A spokesperson for the Thames Valley Police stated that officers arrived at the scene and found a male individual. Despite receiving emergency treatment, the man was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene.
“The investigation into the death is ongoing and currently being treated as unexplained. Positive identification has been made, confirming the deceased as Matthew Trickett, 37 years old, from Maidenhead,” said the police.
“His family has been informed, and they are receiving support from officials. We kindly ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Authorities mentioned that a post-mortem examination will be conducted at an appropriate time.
On May 13th, three individuals were charged with assisting the Hong Kong intelligence department and engaging in foreign interference activities. The three individuals involved are 38-year-old Chi Leung Wai (also known as Peter Wai), 63-year-old Chung Biu Yuen, and 37-year-old Matthew Trickett, all accused of aiding foreign intelligence departments and foreign interference.
After Trickett’s court appearance, he was seen covering his face with his hands, followed by several photographers. During his bail period, he maintained contact with the Thames Valley Police as he was required to register regularly at the police station. Due to the nature of his interactions before his death, the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC has decided that the investigation should be handled by the Thames Valley Police’s Professional Standards Department.
The Telegraph reported that a neighbor described Trickett as “friendly and polite,” but also mentioned that he spent more time abroad than in the country. The unnamed neighbor stated that Trickett’s apartment was raided by the police on May 2nd.
Trickett joined the Royal Marines at the age of 19 and served for seven years. After leaving the military, he established his own security company, providing protection services for engineers, foreign dignitaries, corporate organizations, and wealthy families.
Trickett is fluent in Spanish and is believed to have worked overseas. He resided in Maidenhead, Berkshire. He was employed by the UK Border Force at Heathrow Airport before joining the Home Office Immigration Enforcement Department in February this year.