Three Germans Arrested for Allegedly Sharing Military Technology with China's Secret Service
Three Germans were arrested for suspected collaboration with the Chinese secret service, providing technology that could enhance China's military capabilities, specifically its navy.
The arrests followed Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to China where he raised concerns over intellectual property theft and fair market access.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser acknowledged the significant threat of Chinese espionage in business, industry, and science, and urged increased protective measures.
Two Chinese nationals were arrested in Germany for allegedly planning to conduct research on innovative technologies that could be used for military purposes, specifically to enhance China's maritime combat power.
Justice Minister Marco Buschmann stated that the accused were in further negotiations about these projects at the time of their arrest.
The Chinese embassy in Berlin denied any spying activities and accused Germany of politically manipulating China's image by making these accusations.
Prosecutors have identified three suspects in an investigation involving a German married couple, Herwig F.
and Ina F, who run a company in Dusseldorf, and Thomas R, an agent for a Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) employee.
The couple entered into a cooperation agreement with a German university through their company to prepare a study on marine engine machine parts for the MSS employee.