Police in Germany have arrested three people suspected of spying for China by passing on information about technology with potential military use, local officials said today.
In a statement from the federal prosecutor's office, it is stated that the three German citizens are accused of working for the Chinese intelligence service even before June 2022, and that they are also suspected of violating German export laws.
One of those arrested, identified only as Thomas R, allegedly worked as an agent for an employee of China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) and obtained information on "military-useable innovative technologies" for that person in Germany.
According to the prosecutors, he used Hervig F. and Ina for that. F, a couple who owned a company in Dusseldorf that was used to contact and work with German researchers.
The pair reportedly entered into a research transfer agreement with an unidentified German company, and the first step was to conduct a study for the Chinese partner on the technology of machine parts that could be used for marine engines, including those in battleships.
Behind that Chinese partner was Tomas R.'s manager at MSS, and the project was financed by the Chinese state, according to the prosecution.
At the time of their arrest, the suspects were in negotiations regarding further research projects that could be useful for expanding the combat power of the Chinese Navy. The suspects also acquired a special laser with funding from the MSS and exported it to China without a permit, even though it is classified as a "dual-use" instrument under European Union rules.
The prosecution added that the apartments of all the suspects in Dusseldorf and Bad Homburg near Frankfurt were thoroughly searched.
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