German police arrested a couple on Wednesday (May 20) suspected of engaging in espionage activities for the Chinese Communist Party, accusing them of attempting to obtain advanced technology intelligence with military applications.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office stated that the couple, who are German citizens, were arrested in the southern city of Munich. According to German privacy regulations, the couple’s names have been partially disclosed as Xuejun C. and Hua S.
Prosecutors allege that these individuals “work for a Chinese (Communist) intelligence agency.” Currently, their residence and workplace in Munich are being searched.
The couple is accused of illicitly establishing contacts with scientists from German universities and research institutions, especially in the fields of aerospace engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence (AI). It is believed that the couple impersonated translators or automotive industry employees to establish these contacts.
Prosecutors pointed out that the couple arranged paid lectures in China to attract scientists, who ultimately turned out to be employees of Chinese military enterprises.
In addition to the arrest of this couple, prosecutors have taken “further measures” against 10 other individuals in Munich, Berlin, and other locations. These individuals currently have no criminal suspicions but are expected to provide evidence.
Amidst the arrest operation on Wednesday, German authorities warned that the security threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party is increasing.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited China in February, primarily discussing trade issues and how to strengthen cooperation in that area. Due to concerns about technology transfer, the German government is attempting to “de-risk” economic relations with China.
Beijing denied the accusations related to espionage activities. Earlier this week, Konstantin von Notz, a Green Party member and vice-chairman of the Intelligence Oversight Committee, warned that the threat from the Chinese Communist Party is growing.
In an interview with the political news website Politico’s podcast, he stated, “We seriously underestimate China’s (Communist) boldness and aggression against the West (including Europe and Germany).”
Germany has recently experienced several high-profile espionage cases related to the Chinese Communist Party.
In February of this year, a U.S. citizen was convicted in a Koblenz court of providing sensitive information to China while working as a civilian contractor at a U.S. military base.
In September last year, Maximilian Krah, a right-wing politician, had his former Chinese assistant, Jian Guo, sentenced to over four years in prison. The court ruled that he acted as an agent for a Chinese intelligence agency while working for Krah.
Prosecutors have also launched an investigation against Krah himself, accusing him of receiving funds from China and Russia during his tenure as a Member of the European Parliament, a charge he denies.
(Reference: Agence France-Presse and Reuters reports)