Published on: April 23, 2024
German authorities recently arrested three citizens, alleging that they were colluding with China to provide them with sensitive German technology that would bolster the Chinese military.
This comes after the authorities arrested two suspects last week after an intelligence agency gathered evidence that they were spies working for China. The allegations reference that the targets were secretly plotting attacks to sabotage Germany’s military support to Ukraine.
In this case, the three suspects were trying to provide the Chinese military with German technology that would greatly increase their navy and maritime capabilities.
The suspects were identified as Thomas R, suspected of being an agent for an anonymous minister in the Chinese Ministry of State, and Herwig F and Ina F, a couple running a company in Dusseldorf.
The evidence suggests that the trio used funds from the Ministry of State to obtain a German laser, which they then exported to China. The couple also exploited a working relationship with a German University to procure the agent a study on German engine parts used for maritime engines.
The German domestic intelligence agency assigned to investigate the group claims to have collected enough information to warrant an arrest.
“At the time of their arrest, the accused were in further negotiations about research projects that could be particularly useful for expanding China’s maritime combat power.,” said Justice Minister Marco Buschmann.
“We look very closely at these risks and threats and have clearly warned and raised awareness about them so that protective measures are increased everywhere,” said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.
The Chinese embassy responded, firmly denying the accusations and insisted that the Chinese military had not sent any spies to Germany.
“We call on Germany to desist from exploiting the espionage accusation to politically manipulate the image of China and defame China,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy.