NewsEspionage scandal. Chinese spies concealed in a German public house

Espionage scandal. Chinese spies concealed in a German public house

"Bild": Chinese spies could have been hiding in a brothel in Cologne
"Bild": Chinese spies could have been hiding in a brothel in Cologne
Images source: © East News | THOMAS KIENZLE

5:13 AM EDT, May 10, 2024

The Cologne public house, "Pascha," is potentially entangled in a smuggling and espionage scandal. The German newspaper "Bild" suggests that Chinese spies might have been concealed on the establishment's ninth floor.
Originally constructed in the early '70s as the "Eros Center," the venue was renamed "Pascha" in the 90s. Despite thriving before the coronavirus pandemic, it faced bankruptcy in 2021. Nevertheless, the public house soon resumed operations under the new management of Andre Wienstroth.

Could the public house hide Chinese spies?

"Bild" has uncovered investigation documents, emails, and messages indicating that Jing Hu aimed to acquire the Cologne public house for 11 million euros.

According to the publication, she was potentially involved in a significant smuggling and espionage operation anticipated to engage judiciary and political circles for an extended period. Investigators are open to the possibility that spies were stationed on the hotel’s ninth floor, "Bild" reports.

The ongoing investigations are thoroughly examining these allegations.

The paper also highlights the unusually high rental charges for women working at public houses, questioning the economic viability of their profession there. "A few years back, the daily room charge was 160 euros, plus a 150 euro security deposit and a 40 euro cleaning fee upon check-out. Presently, the rent has reportedly increased to 180 euros. Based on these figures, a woman must serve four clients daily to cover rent expenses. The profitability for pimps under these conditions remains uncertain," "Bild" comments.

The newspaper casts doubt on "Pascha's" financial sustainability, with sources indicating a decline in women working there since the pandemic began, underscoring that it has become less lucrative.

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