Chinese Spy Device in Hong Kong Cars: Apple Daily

Chinese authorities may be listening in on travelers' conversations in Hong Kong, with a device that's been installed on thousands of vehicles, according to Hong Kong's Apple Daily newspaper.

Authorities in Shenzhen have been installing "inspection and quarantine cards" on dual-plate Chinese and Hong Kong vehicles since 2007. They're apparently for tracking cars crossing the border. But Apple Daily says these devices are capable of much more. In fact, experts who examined the devices—taken apart by Apple Daily—say they can be used for eavesdropping, and can send signals up to 12 miles away.

Apple Daily says smugglers were the first to suspect these devices. They thought it was strange that border agents were able to precisely track down vehicles used for smuggling goods.

Shenzhen authorities denied the allegations, when Apple Daily approached them. But the claims have made travelers uneasy, especially those who discuss private business matters during their travels between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

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