By Julian Castillo
Apr 24, 2024, 1:52 PM EDT
Three individuals were detained in Germany on suspicion of espionage for China, with a particular focus on technology transfer with potential military applications. According to research, this group planned to deliver confidential information to the Chinese authoritiesraising serious concerns about security and technological sovereignty.
Who are the spies?
The individuals involved in this alleged act of espionage are German citizens, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the situation. German prosecutors have stated that These individuals were acting on behalf of Chinese intelligence since at least June 2022.and are further accused of violating German export laws by illegally sending a special laser to China without proper permission.
One of the suspects, identified only as Thomas R. under German privacy laws, was allegedly an agent of China’s Ministry of State Security. This individual he would have obtained information about technologies for military use in Germany for his contact in the MSS. To carry out these activities, he used the collaboration of Herwig F. and Ina F., a couple who owned a company in Düsseldorf and who had relations with German researchers.
naval intelligence
The group’s modus operandi involved the signing of research transfer agreements with German academic institutions., ostensibly for legitimate projects, but which were actually intended to provide sensitive information to China. According to prosecutors, one of these projects included researching technology for ship engines, including those that could be used in battleshipssuggesting a specific interest in the modernization of the Chinese naval fleet.
The financing for these activities came from the Chinese MSS, which underlines the possible involvement of the State in this espionage case. Besidesthe suspects were in the midst of negotiations for new research projects that could potentially strengthen China’s military capabilities in the naval field.
The discovery of this alleged act of espionage comes at a crucial moment in relations between Germany and China. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to China just a week before the arrests could have added a layer of tension to the situation, although German officials have said the trip had no bearing on the timing of the arrests.
The German government has taken a firm stance against Chinese espionage activities, recognizing the systemic rivalry between the two powers and the need to protect their economic and security interests. In a strategy for relations with China published the previous year, the government highlighted the importance of countering Chinese sabotage and espionage activities, both analog and digital, and has expressed its commitment to protecting against such threats.
The Minister of the Interior, Nancy Faeser, has described the arrests as “a great success for our counterintelligence.”, underscoring the importance of being alert to the danger posed by Chinese espionage in various sectors. His statement emphasizes the need to increase protective measures across the board to safeguard Germany’s interests and security.
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