3 German Citizens Arrested for Espionage: Alleged China Spying Raises Concerns

Germany’s Federal Prosecutor has arrested three German citizens on suspicion of spying for China, a development that has heightened concerns over espionage and technology transfer with potential military implications. The suspects, identified as Herwig F., Ina F., and Thomas R., were apprehended by officers of the Federal Criminal Police Office in Düsseldorf and Bad Homburg.

The accusations against the individuals include engaging in espionage activities, allegedly at a point before June 2022. Thomas R. is believed to have acted as an agent for an employee of China’s Ministry of State Security, obtaining information on “militarily usable innovative technologies” in Germany. He collaborated with Herwig F. and Ina F., who own a company in Duesseldorf, to facilitate contact and collaboration with German researchers.

The suspects were involved in setting up a research transfer agreement with an unidentified German company, initially focusing on a study for a Chinese partner related to machine parts technology for powerful ship engines, including those in battleships. Thomas R.’s handler at the MSS was reportedly behind the Chinese partner, and the project was funded by the Chinese state. Additionally, the suspects were implicated in procuring a special laser using MSS funding and exporting it to China without permission, classified as a “dual-use” instrument under EU rules.

Interestingly, Last week the German Chancellor visited China to strengthen the relations between the two countries. Scholz is also expected to question China’s ties with Russia amid the Ukraine war and Beijing’s aggressiveness towards Taiwan — a self-ruled island China claims as its own.

German citizens have been at the centre of recent espionage activities, raising grave concerns over intelligence leaks and potential sabotage. The latest developments involve modern machine parts for ship engines, commonly used in combat ships in war zones, being passed on as information. This information has led to the arrest of several individuals, including two dual German-Russian nationals, identified as Dieter S. and Alexander J.

The suspects are set to be brought before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice. They are part of a broader investigation that also includes allegations of planning to sabotage military aid intended for Ukraine. According to officials, Dieter S. and Alexander J. were discussing possible acts of sabotage in Germany with a person linked to Russian intelligence since October. Dieter S. was further accused of declaring himself willing to carry out bombing and arson attacks on military infrastructure.

These arrests add to Germany’s spy problem, which has been exacerbated by recent intelligence leaks. In one of Germany’s biggest spy scandals in decades, the head of the Luftwaffe, Ingo Gerhartz, inadvertently revealed confidential information about British troops delivering Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine during a 38-minute call. The call, conducted on an off-the-shelf video chat platform, was intercepted by the Kremlin and broadcast on Russian state television.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the leak as “very serious,” leading to a probe into the incident. Downing Street, while acknowledging the seriousness of the leak, emphasized that it was a matter for German Citizens as a close NATO ally. However, critics, including Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood and security expert Professor Anthony Glees, have called for accountability, with Glees stating that “heads should roll” for Germany’s “appalling breach of NATO security.”

At the time of their arrests, the suspects were in negotiations on further research projects that could enhance the combat strength of the Chinese navy. This case underscores the challenges posed by espionage and technology transfer, especially when involving potential military applications.

The incident highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring and addressing covert activities that can impact national security and international relations.