David Beckham and other celebs warned their superyachts could SPY on them for China

CELEBS including David Beckham have been warned their superyachts could spy on them for China. A security adviser says they are able to send sensitive data to Beijing after a takeover of the firm that makes them. David Beckham and other celebs have been warned their superyachts could be sending sensitive data to China Credit: Getty Sir David is often pictured with wife Victoria on his £15million Riva 130 Bellissima Credit: Mega Becks, Sir Elton John and George Clooney are among stars seen on Riva yachts — whose Italian maker Ferretti is now in the hands of Weichai, which is owned by the Chinese state. Italian defence general Vincenzo Camporini said latest-generation yachts’ “diagnostics, routes, and positions all flow into the manufacturer’s systems”. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! He added: “Potentially hundreds of top-of-the-line Italian vessels, often owned by top Western business figures, are thus sharing their data with a group that answers to Beijing.” Sir David is often pictured with wife Victoria on his £15million Riva 130 Bellissima. Stars such as George Clooney have also been warned about security concerns Credit: AP Sir Elton John is also among stars seen on Riva yachts — whose Italian maker Ferretti is now in the hands of Weichai, which is owned by the Chinese state Credit: Getty A source said he had no security concerns. Sir Elton performed at a Ferretti Group event in Venice in 2023. Weichai is a state-owned subsidiary of the Shandong Heavy Industry Group and makes vessels for the Chinese military. Experts fear the beaming of data on many of the most powerful could open them up to blackmail, kidnapping and security threats and theft of sensitive personal or business data. Most read in Showbiz They also fear advanced naval technology developed by Ferretti – including carbon fibre that reduces radar signature – is in the hands of the Chinese. Weichai first invested in Ferretti in 2012 and then took a controlling interest in 2019. Advances in technology and scandals – including the Westminster Chinese spy case that collapsed in 2025 – have since heightened fears over data. The Italian firm was contacted for comment. Comment now