German Officials Arrest Three Suspects for Alleged Espionage Activities
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has raised concerns about the significant threat posed by Chinese espionage in various sectors.
Arrests Made in Connection with Chinese Espionage
Three Germans have been arrested on suspicion of collaborating with the Chinese secret service to provide technology that could potentially enhance China’s military capabilities, particularly its navy.
Recent Developments
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to China included discussions on Russia’s wartime economy and issues of intellectual property theft.
Justice Minister Marco Buschmann highlighted that the accused were involved in negotiations regarding research projects that could strengthen China’s maritime combat power.
Response from Chinese Embassy
The Chinese embassy in Berlin has firmly denied the accusations of spying activities in Germany and urged Germany to refrain from politicizing the issue.
Details of the Suspects
- The suspects include a married couple, Herwig F. and Ina F., who own a company in Dusseldorf.
- Thomas R. is described as an agent for an employee of China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The couple entered into a cooperation agreement with a German university to conduct a study for the MSS employee on machine parts applicable to marine engines.
Furthermore, the suspects purchased a laser from Germany on behalf of the MSS and exported it to China without authorization.
Arrest Basis
The arrests were made based on information provided by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.
Last week, Germany also arrested two Russian-German nationals on suspicion of spying for Russia, allegedly planning sabotage attacks against Germany’s military support for Ukraine.
