Three German citizens suspected of spying for Beijing and facilitating the transfer of information about technologies that could have military applications have been detained in Germany.
The three, two men and one woman, are accused of acting on orders from the secret services of the People’s Republic of China since 2022 and are also suspected of violating German export laws.
One of the suspects, identified as Thomas R., a name that respects German privacy laws, was allegedly an agent coordinated by a Ministry of State Security official in Beijing who received information in Germany about “innovative technologies suitable for military use.” This is stated in a statement by the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office.
For this purpose, the suspect used Herwig F. and Ina. F, a couple who owned a company from Düsseldorf who contacted and worked with German researchers.
The pair reportedly entered into a research transfer agreement with an unidentified German company, the first step of which was to prepare research for a Chinese partner on the technology of machine parts that could be used in marine engines, including warships.
According to the indictment, at the time of the arrests, the suspects were negotiating other research projects that could be used to increase the combat power of the People’s Republic of China Navy.
The suspects also purchased specialized laser equipment and exported it to the People’s Republic of China without authorization, despite the fact that it is classified as a “dual-use” instrument under European Union rules.
The homes and offices of suspects held in custody in Düsseldorf and Bad Homburg near Frankfurt were searched.