In April 2024, agents of the Federal Criminal Service arrested suspects in Düsseldorf (North Rhine-Westphalia) and Bad Homburg (Hesse). His home and workplace were also searched. Investigators suggest that at the time of their arrest, the suspects were negotiating on a research and development project that could help strengthen China’s navy, according to a statement from prosecutors.
She said the main suspect had been working as an agent for Chinese Ministry of Security officials since 2017. With the help of a company owned by two alleged partners (a husband and wife), he obtained information about innovative technologies that could be used for military purposes. The couple communicated with companies and scientific institutions through the company, the statement said.
According to prosecutors, the suspects regularly collected information from February 2017 to April 2024, particularly information that could be useful in expanding China’s maritime combat power. This included, inter alia, arrangements regarding: Boat engines, propulsion systems for armored vehicles and drones. The main suspect passed this information on to a Chinese employee.
The suspects are currently in custody.
Nancy Feser, head of Germany’s interior ministry, considered the arrest of the spy a success. “This area is particularly sensitive in the current situation regarding German innovative technologies that can be used for military purposes,” the minister said.
Winter Attack on the British Isles/Agencia EFE/© 2025 Associated Press
