Transnational Repression

  • Knowledge Level: Introductory
  • Protection Stage: Plan & Build
  • Time to read:

In the UK, transnational repression (TNR) refers to certain crimes directed by foreign states against individuals. These crimes can take place both physically and online

Last Updated: 08 May 2026
Share this article:
TNR guidance document cover
Transnational Repression Guidance

This guidance is available to download as a PDF

What is Transnational Repression?

In the UK, transnational repression (TNR) refers to certain crimes directed by foreign states against individuals. These crimes can take place both physically and online. 

TNR in the UK is targeted at, and specific to, individuals. Some foreign states have targeted those whom they perceive to be a threat or otherwise wish to control, including those who are vocal in their opposition to them. 

While the number of people affected by TNR in the UK is low, the impact on those targeted and wider communities can be severe.

What to do if you think you are a victim of TNR

Always call 999 in an emergency, to report a crime in progress or if you, or someone else, is in immediate danger. 

If it’s not an emergency call 101 as soon as possible and give as much detail as you can. 

The government has advice on simple actions you can take to protect yourself. Excerpts of these resources have been included in this document, but you can read more on the GOV.UK website.

Examples of Transnational Repression

Map of Iran

The Iranian authorities have been linked to transnational repression activities globally. In July 2025 the UK government, along with 13 other countries condemned the “growing number of state threats from Iranian intelligence services in our respective territories.” In October of that year, MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum described the efforts of the Iranian state to “silence its opponents around the world, including in the UK.” 

A real-world example of these activities took place in October 2019, when Iranian blogger Ruhollah Zam was lured from his home in France to Iraq, where he was kidnapped by member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Zam was forcibly returned to Iran where he was made to stand trial and, ultimately, prosecuted and executed. One year later, Iranian dissident Habib Chaab was lured to Turkey, kidnapped and driven over the Turkey-Iran border. Habib Chaab was executed by Iran in 2023.

Map of Hong Kong

In July 2025 the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary issued a joint statement regarding “the Hong Kong Police Force’s issuing of…arrest warrants and bounties on individuals living in the UK”. The statement described this activity as an “example of transnational repression.” 

The Hong Kong Police have issued arrest warrants and bounties on multiple occasions. Rewards of HK$1M (£103,000) have been offered for information leading to the arrest of individuals living in the UK . These individuals, targeted by Hong Kong authorities under Hong Kong’s National Security Law, have included the former leader of a pro-democracy group, a political commentator and lobbyists for Hong Kong pro-democracy NGOs. 

The National Security Law is strongly opposed by the UK government. The Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary stated in 2025 that it “has eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers.”

What could Transnational Repression look like?

Transnational repression can happen in lots of ways. This list explains some of these ways, and is intended to help you recognise if you are affected by this issue, as well as offering some simple personal safety advice.

Vector What this can look like What could help if this happens to you
Harassment, including on social media A female activist flees her home country with her two children and travels to the UK, where she and her family are granted refugee status. Once settled in the UK, she continues her activism through her social media platforms. Almost immediately, she starts receiving hundreds of abusive messages, including physical threats.
  • First, contact the police to report physical threats;
  • Take screenshots of messages including sender or poster contact details;
  • Do not respond to abusive messages;
  • Check social media privacy and security settings;
  • Block and report abusive accounts to the social media platform.

The National Cyber Security Centre has extensive guidance to help you to stay safe online.
Online disinformation The activist is asked to appear in a documentary about her home country, where she speaks about her experience of persecution and her political views. Shortly afterwards, a website is created that contains false claims about her.
Physical violence or threats of physical violence A peaceful demonstration is held outside a foreign embassy, with protestors holding signs and changing slogans critical of the country’s human rights record. The protest is orderly and does not obstruct access to the embassy. Staff from the embassy snatch the signs from the protestors and threaten to forcibly remove them from the area if they do not disperse.
  • Try to vary your routine and timings (eg to and from work) to make your location less predictable;
  • Do not advertise your home address online or in print materials (such as business cards);
  • Tell a trusted person where you are, what time you expect to finish and what to do and who to inform if you fail to return at the expected time;
  • Notice other people around you and watch out for people whose behaviour is unusual or unexpected in the circumstances;
  • If you think you’re being followed, don’t go home, go to a busy area and don’t be afraid to seek help: avoid confronting the individual(s);
  • If confronted, do not engage and look to get away from the situation at the earliest opportunity. 

The National Protective Security Authority has detailed guidance for people who face heightened risks to their personal safety and security.
Being followed or watched A few weeks later, the organiser of this protest notices a vehicle parked near his place of work. He sees the same vehicle over the road from his home and, a few days later, parked outside a conference he is speaking at. A relative who lives in the country whose embassy was targeted by the protests contacts him. The relative has a message from the authorities that he should stop speaking about the country’s human rights issues and that they will know if he continues to do so.
Attempts to coerce individuals to return to their country of origin. Also known as “Coerced Repatriation” A journalist working for a UK-based news organisation publishes an article that is critical of a foreign government. Shortly after, his mother, who lives in that country, receives a visit from the authorities. They warn her that she will lose her job unless her son returns to the country. The mother contacts her son to inform him of the threat.

If you have been subjected to sanctions or similar controls from another country, careful consideration should be given to foreign travel for both you and your family. 

If you are subject to a credible physical threat, the ability of you and your family to travel freely may be impacted and additional guidance should be sought by contacting the police. 

If you’re worried about your safety while travelling overseas, taking the following actions will help you understand and manage the risks: 

  • The UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has detailed country level advice that you should consult before you travel.
  • You should do your own open-source research too, and carefully consider your own personal circumstances and level of risk.
  • Before you agree to travel overseas, make sure you know and trust the person you’re travelling with or travelling to meet, particularly if an offer appears “too good to be true”.
  • If possible, book your own travel and accommodation.
  • Ensure a UK-based contact knows your itinerary and agree regular check in points during your trip.
  • Make sure your contact knows what to do and who to contact if you need help while overseas.
Attempts to force people to return to their country of origin also known as “Forced Repatriation” A member of an oppositionist group, who fled persecution in their home country five years ago, is contacted by an old school friend. They have not spoken for many years but remained connected on social media. The school friend invites him to meet up in a country bordering his home country, offering to cover travel and accommodation expenses. The opposition member agrees, but upon arrival at the hotel, the friend is absent and instead, a group of men arrive, force him into a vehicle and drive him over the border into his home country.
Legal Disclaimer: 

This document has been prepared by NPSA and is intended to increase understanding of transnational repression. This document is provided on an information basis only, and whilst NPSA has used all reasonable care in producing it, NPSA provides no warranty as to its accuracy or completeness. 

To the fullest extent permitted by law, NPSA accepts no liability whatsoever for any expense, liability, loss, damage, claim or proceedings incurred or arising as a result of any error or omission in this document or arising from any person acting, refraining from acting, relying upon or otherwise using this document. You should make your own judgment with regard to the use of this document and seek independent professional advice on your particular circumstances.

Did you find this page useful?
helpfulness rating