Germany arrested suspected spies

German authorities have announced the issuance of arrest warrants for three citizens on suspicion of spying for China. The three suspects are believed to have acted on behalf of Chinese security services, gathering information that could be used for military purposes. Suspects Gerwig F., Ina F., and Thomas R. allegedly cooperated with the Chinese secret service from an unknown date until June 2022, according to a statement from the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. Thomas R. is believed to have acted as an agent of China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS), gathering information about innovative technology in Germany that could be used for military purposes.

Gerwig F. and Ina F. assisted Thomas R. through their company in Dusseldorf, which established links with the scientific and research community in Germany. Their activities included an agreement with an unnamed German university to conduct research for a Chinese contractor on high-performance marine engines for warships. In addition, they purchased a laser from Germany and transferred it to China without permission, in violation of EU dual-use rules.

This investigation comes after another citizen, Jian G., was detained on suspicion of spying for the Chinese secret service while working for a member of the European Parliament since 2019. In January 2024, he repeatedly passed information about negotiations and decisions of the European Parliament to the Chinese secret service, and also spied on Chinese oppositionists in Germany.

In the UK, Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash were also charged with passing classified information to China in breach of the State Secrets Act. Their actions were related to the transfer of articles, notes, documents that could be useful to the enemies of the state.

Espionage and the illegal exchange of technological information for military purposes are becoming an increasing threat to European countries. The arrests in Germany and the UK highlight the authorities’ efforts to detect and stop such illegal activity.