Three Germans arrested for spying for China, compromising tech secrets

On Monday, the prosecutor's office revealed the arrest of three German citizens suspected of espionage for China. According to "Die Welt," these individuals, two men and one woman, have been assisting the Chinese intelligence service, known as the MSS, since at least 2022.

The individuals arrested are Thomas R. and a married couple, Herwig and Ina F. The operations leading to their arrests took place in Duesseldorf and Bad Homburg, the suspects' places of residence. In conjunction with these arrests, their homes and workplaces underwent thorough searches.

Thomas R. is believed to have collaborated with Herwig and Ina F., who operated a business in Duesseldorf. According to investigators, this business was a go-between in establishing contacts and partnerships with German scientists and researchers. This collaboration included formalizing a "cooperation agreement" with one of the German universities.

As the prosecutor's office conveyed, the intelligence passed to the Chinese included details on advanced machine components potentially applicable to military engines, such as those used in warships.

Furthermore, the suspects are accused of procuring a special laser in Germany on the MSS's behalf and smuggling it to China without the requisite authorization, as reported by "Spiegel."