Part 1Espionage, sabotage and persons acting for foreign powers

Sabotage

I1I212Sabotage

1

A person commits an offence if—

a

the person engages in conduct that results in damage to any asset,

b

the person intends their conduct to result in damage to an asset, or is reckless as to whether their conduct will result in damage to an asset,

c

the person’s conduct is for a purpose that they know, or having regard to other matters known to them ought reasonably to know, is prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, and

d

the foreign power condition is met in relation to the person’s conduct (see section 31).

2

Subsection (1) applies—

a

whether the person’s conduct takes place in the United Kingdom or elsewhere;

b

whether the asset is in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.

3

In this section—

  • “asset” means an asset of any kind whether tangible or intangible and includes in particular real and personal property, electronic systems and information;

  • “damage” includes any of the following (whether permanent or temporary)—

    1. a

      destruction;

    2. b

      alteration;

    3. c

      contamination;

    4. d

      interference;

    5. e

      loss of or reduction in access or availability;

    6. f

      loss of or reduction in function, utility or reliability.

4

A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life or a fine (or both).