By: Smartencylopedia Berlin News Bureau with Agencies
November 10, 2024
An American defense contractor working with U.S. military forces in Germany was arrested on Thursday, accused of attempting to share sensitive U.S. military information with China. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Germany confirmed the arrest of a U.S. national, identified only as “Martin D.,” whose Frankfurt apartment was subsequently searched by police.
The prosecutor’s office stated that Martin D., 37, had allegedly contacted Chinese government agencies earlier this year, offering military intelligence with the intention to provide information to a Chinese intelligence service. Authorities charged Martin D. with secret service agent activities, indicating his willingness to serve as an intelligence agent for China.
The investigation was carried out in collaboration between the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the domestic intelligence agency, the BfV. On Friday, Martin D. was brought before a federal judge, though specific details of the hearing were not disclosed.
If convicted, Martin D. could face a substantial prison sentence under German espionage laws, marking the latest in a string of espionage-related arrests in Germany. This heightened vigilance comes as German authorities ramp up efforts against Chinese intelligence activities within the country, having arrested a series of individuals allegedly involved in espionage for China over recent months.
Last month, a Chinese national working at Leipzig/Halle International Airport was detained, accused of relaying sensitive logistics information to another Chinese operative. The data included flight and cargo details, some of which pertained to military goods tied to a German defense contractor. The suspect had reportedly shared the information with Jian G., a former employee of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) Party and former European Parliament member Maximilian Krah, who is suspected of gathering intelligence on behalf of Chinese interests.
The April arrest of three Germans allegedly sending naval military technology to China also underscored Germany’s vigilance. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted that Germany is taking extensive precautions against espionage, especially concerning advanced technologies with potential military applications. In response to growing security threats, she stressed, “We look very closely at these risks and have clearly warned and raised awareness to ensure increased protective measures.”
A Chinese Embassy representative in Berlin denied the accusations, labeling the suspicions as unfounded.
With Germany’s critical position in European defense and research, the government has increased counterintelligence measures to protect national and allied security interests, reflecting heightened concerns about Chinese espionage operations in Europe.