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UK chef who ran Asian restaurants in Liverpool jailed in US
- A British chef who ran Liverpool Asian restaurants was jailed in the US for conspiring to export military‑grade microchips to China.
- Jian Fun Tso, also known as Steven Tso, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to export items banned from export to China under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- The undercover operation showed Metech’s Liverpool address matched Tso’s own takeaway, triggering further investigation.
- Tso transferred about £413,039 from the UK to a US undercover agent's account during the year‑long sting.
- US authorities said the chips would likely go to mainland China for military or space programs.
- Tso was sentenced to a 36‑month term after pleading guilty and has since been allowed to return to the UK.
- MI5 had recently warned Parliament and civil servants that Chinese spies are trying to lure people with job offers on LinkedIn.
- The case reveals at least one front company and ties to multiple countries during the undercover operation.
- Prosecutors said the chips would have been destined for the People's Liberation Army, which controls China's weapons and space programs.
- Tso is said to have run several eateries, including Maicee Express, Tso San, and Oriental Restaurant in Liverpool.
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