Chopchop Founder Linked to Companies Involved in Suspected Illegal Chinese Police Station in Sweden
Tommy Wang, Chopchop founder, is formally linked to companies connected to a suspected illegal Chinese police station in Stockholm, raising surveillance concerns.
- • A suspected illegal Chinese police station was uncovered in Vällingby, Stockholm, autumn 2022.
- • Tommy Wang, founder of Chopchop, linked to companies tied to the police station location.
- • Employees reported surveillance cameras and fear in Chopchop kitchens.
- • Chinese 'help centers' abroad suspected of espionage and intimidation under the Chinese government's direction.
- • Swedish Security Service identifies China as a major threat due to illegal intelligence activities.
Key details
In autumn 2022, reports surfaced about a suspected illegal Chinese police station operating in Vällingby, Stockholm. The revelation, first highlighted by the human rights organization Safeguard Defenders, triggered significant concern from Swedish authorities, including then Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, who pledged to refer the matter to law enforcement agencies, notably the Swedish Security Service (Säpo).
At the center of the developments is Tommy Wang, founder of the Swedish restaurant chain Chopchop, who has formal ties to several companies associated with the premises of the suspected station. The building in Vinsta, Stockholm, where the police station was allegedly located, houses multiple firms with links to China. Wang held a formal role in these companies until early 2022.
Employees in Chopchop kitchens reported the presence of cameras, generating fears of surveillance and intimidation. Safeguard Defenders points out the involvement of the Chinese government in creating overseas "help centers" that serve as fronts for espionage and pressure on Chinese citizens abroad, including monitoring and coercion to return to China. These centers are believed to have connections to the Chinese Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and are suspected of functioning as part of China's broader intelligence activities overseas.
Tommy Wang has denied any wrongdoing or direct ownership, stating he only held an administrative role and did not have shares in the companies linked to the police station.
The Swedish Security Service has identified China as one of the top three security threats to Sweden alongside Russia and Iran, citing extensive illegal intelligence operations targeting the country.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about foreign surveillance and influence in Sweden, particularly involving covert operations that impact diaspora communities and national security.