In a suspected Chinese espionage case involving a couple arrested in Munich, new indications suggest connections to German research institutions and a broader network originating in Central China.
According to reports cited by the Handelsblatt, one of the arrested individuals is reportedly connected through the commercial register to other Chinese nationals. This group is allegedly linked to a company stated to handle the “Import and Export of goods of all kinds, especially high-tech products”.
Furthermore, the network is said to maintain close ties with a university located in Central China. This university is alleged to collaborate closely with various German research institutions and also reportedly maintains connections to China’s defense research and industrial sectors.
The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses the arrested couple of having operated on behalf of a Chinese intelligence service. They are charged with attempting to acquire scientific information pertaining to militarily usable, high-technology fields. To achieve this, the prosecution alleges that the accused built connections with scientists at German universities and research facilities, with a particular focus on aerospace technology, computer science, and Artificial Intelligence.