German prosecutors announced on Monday (April 22) that they have arrested three German citizens who are suspected of working for the Chinese Ministry of State Security and transferring technology usable for military purposes to China.
According to a statement released by the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects are identified as Herwig F., Ina F., and Thomas R. The first two are a married couple who run a company in Dusseldorf, Germany. Thomas R. is described by prosecutors as an agent for an employee of the Chinese Ministry of State Security.
The statement mentioned that the residences and workplaces of the defendants were also searched. The defendants are suspected of working for the Chinese intelligence agency since an unspecified date before June 2022. Thomas R. allegedly facilitated the acquisition of innovative technologies usable for military purposes by a Chinese state security employee in Germany. To do so, he utilized the company operated by Herwig F. and Ina F. as a medium of contact with German scientific researchers.
Prosecutors stated that Herwig F. and Ina F., through their company, reached a cooperation agreement with a German university involving the research of advanced machine components for a Chinese contractual partner. These components are crucial for the operation of powerful ship engines, including those used in warships.
The Chinese contractual partner mentioned in the agreement is the Chinese state security employee who gave orders to Thomas R. The project was funded by Chinese government entities.
German prosecutors stated that the criminal suspects also facilitated the purchase of a specific laser device for the Chinese Ministry of State Security from Germany without authorization to export it to China (export of such equipment is actually subject to EU dual-use regulations), and the funds for the procurement were provided by the Chinese Ministry of State Security.
The arrest operation was conducted based on information collected by German domestic intelligence agencies.
Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser mentioned that the government is closely monitoring the significant threat posed to Germany by Chinese commercial, industrial, and scientific espionage activities. She emphasized the need to strengthen protective measures to address these risks and threats.
In this particular case, the issue of German innovative technology usable for military purposes is deemed “especially sensitive,” as highlighted by German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann. He indicated that at the time of the arrests, the defendants were in negotiations regarding research projects that would significantly enhance China’s naval combat capabilities.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comments.
During his visit to China last week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged China to ensure equal market access for German companies while also expressing concerns from Europe regarding Beijing’s economic policies and support for Russia.