Germany and Britain Conceal Chinese Intelligence

Chinese spies have been suspected of sneaking into Germany and England for a long time. Germany arrested three people and England two people.

DPA/AP/HANNES P ALBERT

Chinese Embassy in Berlin, Germany, on Monday (22/4/2024).

BERLIN, TUESDAY — Three German nationals were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Chinese secret services. They are suspected of having handed over information on new German technology that could be used for military purposes since June 2022. It is feared that this technology has the potential to strengthen China's navy.

The Chinese Embassy in Berlin rejected the accusations. "We ask Germany to stop exploiting accusations of spying to politically manipulate China's image and defame China," said a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Berlin, as quoted by Xinhua on Tuesday (23 /4/2024).

Also read: China and US Arrest Each Other's Spies

The Ministry of Interior and Justice of Germany confirmed the arrest on Monday (22/4/2024). The German authorities arrested Herwig and Ina, a married couple who manage a company in Duesseldorf.

The authorities also arrested Thomas, the man who was said to be the mediator between Herwig and Ina and agents from the Ministry of State Security of China. The authorities conducted searches of the suspects' homes and offices in Duesseldorf and Bad Homburg.

AFP/JOHN MACDOUGALL

Chinese Embassy in Berlin, Germany, on Monday (22/4/2024),

Herwig-Ina company is reportedly building a partnership with universities in Germany. The collaboration includes preparing studies for employees regarding the parts of the machine that can be used for warships.

Herwig-Ina was also accused of violating Germany's export regulations by exporting special laser equipment without permission. The specific laser was reportedly purchased with funds from the Chinese State Security Ministry.

Also read: China Exposes British M16 Intelligence Espionage Under the Guise of a Consulting Agency

As for Thomas' role, according to the German prosecutor, he helped obtain information related to innovative technology that could be used by the military for the individual in question. To facilitate his operation, Thomas took advantage of Herwig and Ina who had previously contacted him.

Increased threats

According to German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, the suspects were preparing for further research cooperation when they were arrested by authorities. This research has the potential to enhance China's maritime combat capabilities.

AP/MICHAEL PROBST

The atmosphere in one corner of Frankfurt, Germany, on Monday (22/4/2024).

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the government is monitoring the "threat" of Chinese espionage on businesses, industries, and science. The arrest of Chinese spy suspects is considered a success in the fight against espionage. "We are closely monitoring this risk and threat and have already warned and raised awareness about it, so protection has been increased everywhere," she said.

In a document on Germany's strategy towards China released last year, Germany mentioned the existence of "systemic competition" with Asian powers. Germany also needs to reduce the risk of economic dependence. On the other hand, Germany emphasizes the desire to cooperate with China in facing common challenges such as climate change and maintaining strong trade relations.

Also read: Chinese Cyber ​​Espionage Hacks Microsoft Emails with US Targets

The document also states that Germany will take firm action against analog and digital espionage and sabotage carried out by Chinese intelligence and state-controlled groups against Germany.

British Capture

Before the German case, Britain had also arrested two British citizens suspected of being Chinese spies. The two male suspects, namely Christopher Cash (29) who works as a researcher and Christopher Berry (32), were charged with providing confidential information to China and violating the State Secrets Act.

KOMPAS/KRIS MADA

Residents queue up to take photos of the British War Museum building in London, England, on Thursday (30/11/2023). The museum near Buckingham Palace is one of the tourist destinations in the city center of London.

The trial of this case will begin at the Westminster Magistrates Court next Friday. The BBC reported that the two defendants are suspected of providing articles, notes, documents, or information to foreign countries.

Cash and Berry were arrested last March. Cash is reported to work as a researcher for parliament involved with the China Research Group. He is known to be close with several members of the Conservative Party parliament.

Also read: Millions of Online Accounts Hacked by Chinese Espionage Network

The Sunday Times reported that Cash is close to British Security Minister Tom Tugendhart and Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Alicia Kearns. In fact, Cash is said to be listed in parliamentary documents as working for Kearns in early 2023.

Cash is suspected to have assisted China from January 20, 2022 to February 3, 2023. Meanwhile, Berry assisted China from December 28, 2021 to February 3, 2023.

KOMPAS/KRIS MADA

The atmosphere of the Green Park in the center of London, England, on Thursday (November 30, 2023). The park next to Buckingham Palace is one of the open spaces in the center of London.

The Chinese Embassy in London has asserted that the accusation of China stealing confidential information from the UK is a vile slander and entirely fabricated. "We strongly oppose it and urge the UK to stop the anti-China political manipulation and cease making its own political jokes," said the embassy statement.

Anxiety is increasing throughout Europe about alleged Chinese espionage activities. Over the past few months, the UK has become increasingly vocal about its concerns. "This is a very complex investigation into very serious charges," said the Head of Counter Terrorism Command at the Metropolitan Police in the UK, Dominic Murphy.

Also read: Taiwan Investigates Alleged Infiltration of Chinese Spies in Its Military

Last month, the UK government summoned the chargé d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in London over allegations of hackers stealing data from UK election monitors. The hackers were believed to have been supported by China.

Britain has also tightened its monitoring of members of parliament after it was discovered that Chinese spies were targeting British officials last September. Officials who were targeted included those holding important positions in politics, defense and security, and business (REUTERS/AFP/AP).