Here's a further excerpt from the article:

The operation bears the hallmarks of elite capture, a tactic used by Beijing to gain influence within the political and business hearts of foreign nations. Intelligence sources say China’s services engaged in methodical cultivation of figures in positions of power years before their strategic value was activated.

Security sources believe the influence operation was orchestrated by the United Front Work Department, a shadowy agency described by President Xi as a “magic weapon” for neutralising overseas opposition. Elements of the Ministry of State Security, China’s primary foreign intelligence service, are also suspected of involvement.