Wang Liqiang

Wang Liqiang (Chinese: 王立强), or William Wang, is a self-proclaimed former spy for China and convicted fraudster. In November 2019, Wang sought political asylum in Australia, claiming to be a spy who was involved in the People's Republic of China's intervention in the affairs of Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan. The factual accuracy of his claims has been disputed, with several experts expressing skepticism about his claims, citing inconsistencies in his account. The Chinese government has rejected Wang's allegations as "absurd" and identified him as a "fraud", citing a prior fraud conviction and alleged he fled China using a forged passport while facing further fraud charges. Wang's case drew worldwide attention, leading to an investigation in Taiwan. In November 2021, the years-long investigation concluded with no evidence to support Wang's claims, and individuals that he had accused of being accomplices or handlers were cleared of all national security charges. In January 2023, an Australian tribunal rejected Wang's asylum application, finding that he had committed "serious fraud against an Australian citizen". The tribunal also stated that there was no evidence corroborating his espionage allegations, and expressed strong doubts about his claims, citing his history of fraudulent conduct. The Department of Home Affairs upheld the denial and Wang faces possible deportation to China, where he is also subject to separate fraud charges.