BERLIN (AP) — Three people were arrested in Germany on Monday on suspicion of spying for China and arranging the transfer of technical information that could have military use.
According to prosecutors, the three Germans are suspected of working for Chinese intelligence agencies sometime before June 2022. The company is also suspected of violating German export laws by exporting a special laser without permission.
One of the suspects, identified only as Thomas R. according to German privacy laws, is an agent of an official from China’s Ministry of State Security, for whom he is involved in “militarily usable innovative technology.” Federal prosecutors announced that the information was obtained in Germany. In a statement.
To do so, prosecutors said, they used Mr. Herwig F. and Mr. Ina. Mr. F. is a couple who run a company in Düsseldorf, and they were in contact with German researchers to conduct research.
The couple are said to have signed a research transfer agreement with an unidentified German university, the first step of which is to finalize research for the Chinese partner on technology for mechanical parts that can be used in powerful marine engines, including battleships. there were. Prosecutors say Thomas R.’s handlers at MSS were behind a Chinese partner and the project was funded by the Chinese state.
At the time of their arrest, the suspects were negotiating further research projects that could help expand China’s naval combat power, they added.
Prosecutors said the suspects also used MSS funding to purchase specialized lasers and exported them to China without permission, which were classified as “dual-use” equipment under European Union regulations. .
The homes and offices of the arrested suspects in Düsseldorf and Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt, were searched.
The suspects were arrested a week after Prime Minister Olaf Scholz’s second three-day visit to China since taking office at the end of 2021.
German officials declined to say whether the government was aware of the incident at the time, but said the trip had no bearing on the timing of the arrest.
In its strategy for relations with China announced last year, the German government pointed to the need to reduce the risks of “systemic conflict” and economic dependence with the Asian power, but challenges such as climate change and He emphasized his intention to cooperate with the Chinese government on this issue. Maintain strong trade relations.
The document states: “We are committed to all analog and digital activities by Chinese intelligence services and state-controlled groups, regardless of whether these activities take place in Germany or are directed toward Germany.” “We will take decisive action against espionage and sabotage.”
Interior Minister Nancy Feiser said Monday’s arrest was “a huge success for our counterespionage efforts.”
“We are focused on the grave dangers posed by Chinese espionage in business, industry, and science,” she said in a statement. “We are closely monitoring these risks and threats and have clearly warned and sensitized people to strengthen protective measures everywhere.”
