Guidance

What to do if you think you are the victim of transnational repression

Published 14 May 2025

What is transnational repression?  

In the UK, some crimes directed by foreign states against individuals are referred to as ‘transnational repression’ (TNR). These crimes can take place physically and / or online and examples could include:

• harassment, including on social media
• online disinformation campaigns
• surveillance
• stalking
• physical violence or threats of physical violence
• attempts to force individuals to return to their country of origin
• assassination or assassination attempts

This list is not exhaustive, and transnational repression can take many forms. 

A foreign state must direct the activity for it to be considered transnational repression.

Who is affected by transnational repression?  

TNR in the UK is targeted and specific.

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 TNR does not affect large numbers of people across the UK, its impacts can be severe.

How to report transnational repression 

Call 999 if you’re reporting a crime that’s in progress or if someone is in immediate danger.

If the crime isn’t an emergency, call 101 or contact your local police. 

Further information on reporting crimes to the police can be found at Reporting crimes.

Attempts by foreign states to harm or intimidate individuals in the UK will not be tolerated.

Your report will be carefully considered by the police, alongside other sources of information, and may result in an investigation or further action.

What is this guidance for?  

The information and resources on this page provide practical advice on how to safeguard yourself if you are concerned about TNR or believe yourself to be a victim.

It is important to remember that incidents are targeted and specific.

How to protect yourself 

Cyber security

It is crucial to stay vigilant and safeguard your online presence from potential threats.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released information to highlight the potential cyber threat towards personal accounts and devices. This includes new individual cyber defence services from the NCSC:

• Account registration will enable a personal incident notification to you if the NCSC becomes aware of a cyber incident impacting a personal account. It also enables you to benefit from additional protective services from key partners, such as Google and Microsoft.
• Personal internet protection (PIP) is available via an app and aims to reduce the threat from clicking on known malicious links which you might receive via spear phishing in email and / or instant messaging apps.

To sign up for these services please email individualsupport@ncsc.gov.uk

The NCSC has also produced guidance aimed at high-risk individuals to improve the security of personal accounts and devices, and keep you better protected online.

Here are some practical steps you can take to enhance your cyber security: 

• Turn on 2-step verification (2SV) on your accounts such as email, instant messaging apps and social media, so even if an attacker knows your password, they can’t access your account.
• Use strong and unique passwords and avoid sharing passwords. The NCSC recommends using three random words. You can also use a password manager to help you create and remember passwords. NCSC guidance on password managers.
• Review social media settings to check how much information you are sharing publicly. Attackers may use the information you share to trick you into clicking malicious links or attempt to gain access to your accounts. NCSC social media guidance
• Be suspicious of clicking on links and downloading or opening files sent from unknown sources. If you open a document, and it prompts for a username and password, consider if it might be malicious. Consider signing up for NCSC account registration by emailing individualsupport@ncsc.gov.uk so you can install the app to benefit from personal internet protection. NCSC guidance on spotting scams
• Make sure you install the latest software and app updates, as these contain vital security updates to protect your devices. You should turn on ‘automatic updates’ in your device’s settings, if available.
• For additional security, you should consider enabling lockdown mode for your Apple devices. Lockdown mode has been designed for individuals who might be targeted by sophisticated threat actors. On Windows devices, you have the option to enable ‘S mode’ which only allows applications from the Microsoft Store to be downloaded and installed. This prevents malicious programs running on your device.
• Safeguard your most important data, such as your photos and key documents, by backing them up to an external hard drive or a cloud-based storage system.  Read NCSC Backup Guidance.

The UK National Protective Security Authority has guidance about false profiles that helps you spot them on social media and professional networking sites. 

Visit top tips for staying secure online - NCSC.GOV.UK for more comprehensive guidance on cybersecurity best practice. 

If you believe you are experiencing a cyber incident please report it to incidents@ncsc.gov.uk

Personal security

The UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) provides a range of resources to help you stay safe at home, at work, on-the-move and online.

Personal situational awareness is key in recognising whether there could be a threat to your safety or security. Some general principles that can help you to develop your personal situational awareness skills include:

• try to vary your routine and timings (eg to and from work) to make it harder for those seeking to harm you
• do not advertise your home address online or in print materials (such as business cards)
• if possible, undertake visits, meetings and journeys accompanied
• tell someone where you are, what time you expect to finish and what to do 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 / challenged, be polite but confident and try to remove yourself from the situation

If you think people are taking an unusual or sustained interest in your activities, which could be attributed to a foreign state, then you should consider the following action:

• Pay close attention to your surroundings and any suspicious behaviour you observe. Look for signs of stalking / surveillance, such as individuals loitering nearby, unusual vehicles parked outside your home or workplace, or repeated encounters with the same people.
• If you suspect you are the subject of stalking / surveillance do not approach or confront anyone you suspect to be carrying it out. However, if safe to do so, capture as much information as possible. If you can, pass through areas where there is CCTV, so further information can be captured. Head to a place where there are lots of people (if you are travelling) or an area where police are likely to be present.
• If you have been advised by the police there is a threat to you and you think you are being watched or followed, consider if it is wise to continue your planned activity (eg going home / work) as this may provide those conducting potential surveillance the information they are looking for. If this is the case, call the police via 999 and explain the situation; tell them you are a high-risk individual and why.
• If safe to do so, keep detailed records of any suspicious incidents or behaviours you observe, including: dates, times, locations, descriptions of individuals or vehicles involved, and any other relevant information. This documentation will be useful to the police.
• Assess your current security measures and consider whether any additional precautions are necessary to protect yourself and your belongings. This may include upgrading locks, installing security cameras, varying your daily routines, or seeking advice from security professionals.

For full details, please visit the National Protective Security Authority’s guidance for individuals who face heightened risks affecting their personal safety and security.

Overseas travel advice

Some foreign states may target those whom they perceive to be a threat or otherwise wish to control when travelling overseas. Before travelling overseas, consider the personal and cyber guidance on this page.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provides travel advice to support you when travelling overseas.

Other resources 

ProtectUK provides The Blue Book: A Guide to Personal Security with a suite of advice to help you stay safe at home, at work, on-the- move and online.