Germany has arrested three nationals who allegedly tried to transfer military technology to China, a violation of the country's export rules.
Suspected Chinese spies arrested: 'A case of proliferation and weapons knowledge' | DW News
The three people in question were not fully identified by the federal prosecutor's office, which provided only their first names and the first initial of their surnames, as required by German law. Germany claims that Thomas R is "strongly suspected" of being an agent or employee of China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), while the couple Herwig F and Ina F run a Düsseldorf-based business with links to Germany's scientific community. The pair must have worked for MSS since at least June 2022.
German authorities allege that Thomas R collected data on technology with military potential, through the company run by Herwig and Ina F. The Bundesanwaltschaft, the country's federal prosecutor's office, said the arrest warrant alleges the two made an agreement with a German university to prepare a study for what appeared to be a Chinese company interested in machine parts.
However, the ruling alleges that behind the Chinese company were Thomas R's handlers and funds from China, and the machine parts could potentially be used for the types of engines found on military ships, an example of dual-use technology (used for both military and civilian purposes) which are usually regulated. The suspects are accused of trying to start more research projects that would have further helped China's navy.
