Germany Charges Three Nationals Over Alleged Espionage for Chinese Regime

German federal prosecutors have charged three individuals with supplying sensitive intelligence and military-applicable technologies to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The accused, identified as German nationals, allegedly procured and exported three “special lasers” to China without required authorization. The lasers, financed by the CCP’s Ministry of State Security, fall under the EU’s dual-use export control regulations, according to prosecutors.

Authorities also accused the trio of funneling vital data on advanced technologies, including boat engines, sonar systems, aircraft protection, armored vehicle motors, and drones, which could enhance China’s maritime and combat capabilities.

The suspects include Thomas R., who remains in custody, and a married couple, Herwig F. and Ina F., who were arrested in April 2024 but released later that year. Prosecutors allege that Thomas R. acted as an agent for the CCP’s espionage agency since 2017, using the couple’s Düsseldorf-based business to contact German companies and research institutions.

One scheme involved collaboration with a German university to transfer knowledge on ship engine technology to a CCP-linked Chinese entity. The project was reportedly financed by Chinese authorities.

China’s foreign ministry has warned Germany against damaging bilateral ties, with spokesperson Guo Jiakun urging Berlin to avoid creating “obstacles” to relations.

The case adds to a growing number of CCP-related espionage incidents in Germany. In November 2024, a U.S. citizen and former military worker was arrested in Frankfurt for offering sensitive U.S. military information to Chinese agents.

Earlier, German authorities detained Yaqi X, a Chinese national accused of leaking military transport data to CCP intelligence. The investigation connected him to Jian Guo, a German national arrested in April 2024 for allegedly spying on European Parliament discussions and Chinese dissidents in Germany.

These arrests highlight heightened scrutiny of the CCP’s espionage operations across Europe, with Germany emerging as a focal point of concern.