BERLIN. German officials disclosed on Monday the arrest of three individuals on suspicions of collaborating with the Chinese secret service to furnish technology potentially advantageous to China’s military endeavors, particularly enhancing its naval capabilities.
The arrests followed closely on the heels of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to China, during which he underscored concerns regarding Beijing’s backing of Russia’s wartime economy, along with addressing issues of intellectual property infringement and equitable market entry.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser underscored the gravity of Chinese espionage activities across various sectors, including commerce, industry, and academia. “We remain vigilant against these risks and have been steadfast in raising awareness to bolster protective measures,” she emphasized in a statement.
Highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the case, Faeser noted the involvement of German innovations with potential military applications, categorizing it as a matter of profound concern.
Justice Minister Marco Buschmann echoed Faeser’s sentiments, stating, “At the time of their apprehension, the suspects were engaged in discussions regarding research initiatives that could significantly enhance China’s maritime combat capabilities.”
Efforts to obtain comments from the Chinese foreign ministry and the embassy in Berlin were met with silence at the time of reporting.
Identified by prosecutors as Herwig F. and Ina F., a married couple operating a company in Dusseldorf, and Thomas R., alleged to be an agent representing an undisclosed individual within China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS), the suspects were implicated in a scheme involving a German university.
According to prosecutors, the couple entered into a collaboration agreement with the university through their company, entailing the preparation of a study for the MSS on machinery components applicable to marine propulsion systems, potentially for use in warships.
Furthermore, the suspects purportedly facilitated the acquisition and unauthorized export of a specialized laser from Germany to China, purportedly on behalf of the MSS. Prosecutors did not specify the laser’s intended application.
The arrests stemmed from intelligence gathered by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, prosecutors confirmed.
These developments unfolded against the backdrop of Germany’s recent detention of two Russian-German nationals, suspected of espionage in favor of Russia. Allegations against them involved plotting sabotage to undermine Germany’s military assistance to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
