China’s shadow war: Ice picks in suburbia | Episode Three

China’s shadow war: Ice picks in suburbia | Episode Three

From The Slow Newscast by The Observer

April 2, 2026 · 33 min · Season 1 · Episode 391

About this episode

A businessman from Tunbridge Wells is accused of leading a double life involving a brutal attack on behalf of the Chinese state.

A businessman from Tunbridge Wells is accused of leading a double life. He’s secretly recorded planning a brutal attack with ice picks on behalf of the Chinese state. His story takes a dramatic turn with a high-stakes escape.  To enjoy the Slow Newscast ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription. You’ll get access to: This series and all our podcasts before anyone else Ad-free listening Premium newsletters Puzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crossword Exclusive offers from our partners Tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or online Or subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to all our podcasts, including this one, without any ads. Reporters - Alexi Mostrous and Frankie Vetch Producer - Jonathan Lewis Additional production - Amalie Sortland Sound design - Dominic Delargy Podcast illustration - Shonagh Rae Editor - Jasper Corbett Credits - Voice of America, CBS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Alexi Mostrous

Guest: Frankie Vetch

Topics covered

  • China
  • espionage
  • crime
  • businessman
  • escape
  • state-sponsored violence

Keywords

  • China
  • espionage
  • ice picks
  • Tunbridge Wells
  • attack
  • businessman
  • state-sponsored

Sponsors

The Observer

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Observer, Voice of America, CBS

Places: Tunbridge Wells

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