NewsThree Germans arrested for spying for China, compromising tech secrets

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.

Three people detained on charges of spying for China.
Three people detained on charges of spying for China.
Images source: © East News | IMAGO/Christoph Hardt

5:09 PM EDT, April 22, 2024

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., identified as the primary suspect by the prosecutor's office, is reported to have established connections with an employee of the Ministry of State Security in China. As per a report on the "Spiegel" magazine's website, R. gathered information for this contact about "innovative technologies useful for military purposes" being developed within Germany.

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."

Source: PAP
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