British Businessman Ian Stones Jailed in China on Espionage Charges

Stones, who had been working in China for over 40 years, was sentenced in 2022, but the case was not publicly known until 2024. His health has reportedly deteriorated due to poor prison conditions.

Ian Stones, a British businessman who had been working in China for over 40 years, was sentenced to five years in prison in 2022 on espionage charges. The case was not publicly known until reported by The Wall Street Journal in 2024.
Stones was convicted of being bought off to provide intelligence to 'external forces', according to China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. However, no specific details about the charges were provided.
Stones had worked for companies such as General Motors and Pfizer before setting up his own consulting firm, Navisino Partners, about 15 years ago. His case raises concerns about the risks of operating in China under its national security laws.
Stones' appeal against his conviction was rejected in September 2023. His daughter, Laura Stones, stated that neither the family nor the British embassy had been allowed to see the legal documents related to the case.
Stones' health has reportedly deteriorated due to poor nutrition and limited medical care in prison. His case has drawn attention to the treatment of foreign nationals in China's legal system.

Voice of America (VOA News)