Met concludes investigation into ‘secret Croydon Chinese police station’

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

A police investigation into a “secret Chinese police station” in Croydon has now concluded “no criminal activity” has taken place.

The Croydon man whose business was the alleged location of one of the stations said he now wants to “clear his name” and forget about the “rumours”.

The offices of All Eat App in North End, Croydon, was one of two locations in London listed by NGO Safeguard Defenders as an “overseas service stations for police and overseas Chinese affairs”.

Concerns about the address were raised in parliament twice after press reports of the allegations. The Met started investigating the claims in November but has now said no further action will be taken.

Ruiyou Lin, the owner of All Eat App, has always protested his innocence.

Last month, he said the “police” connection has been misunderstood after a video showed him in front of a blue banner that appears to be nearly identical to one those arrested in New York were pictured beside.

He claims he has only helped Chinese citizens re-apply for their driver’s licence.

Speaking about the completion of the police investigation Mr Lin said: “It is all rumours. For me personally, I have had to deal with this for nine months. I checked in with my GP and I have lost 9.6kg, it has had a very bad impact.

“These rumours [have impacted] my company and I want to clear my name now. I don’t want anyone coming to harrass me and let me and my business become the UK’s number one delivery company.

“I am British and pay my tax in the UK. My business has gone down and my investor has pulled out.”

A Met spokesman said: “In November 2022, we were made aware of a report by an NGO alleging the presence of Chinese ‘overseas police service stations’ in various countries, including two here in London.

“Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have been assessing this matter to establish whether there is any potential unlawful activity that may require further investigation.

“As a result of these enquiries, no illegal or criminal activity has been identified and no further action will be taken. However, should any new information be brought to our attention or come to light, then this of course, will be assessed and dealt with as appropriate.

“We work closely with partners and communities to identify any repressive activity by foreign states in London and the UK, and will seek to disrupt this activity where possible.”

Pictured top: Mr Lin’s place of business in Croydon High Street which is believed to be a ‘secret Chinese police station’ (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga)