Three Germans Charged with Spying for China

German prosecutors have charged three nationals, Herwig F., Ina F., and Thomas R., with espionage for allegedly supplying Chinese intelligence with information on military technology, particularly aimed at enhancing China's naval capabilities. The charges stem from activities conducted between 2017 and 2024, where Thomas R. reportedly acted as an agent for the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS), facilitating the acquisition of sensitive information through a company owned by the couple. The trio is accused of gathering data on technologies such as boat engines and military drones, and of exporting controlled dual-use lasers to China without proper authorization. Beijing has responded to these charges by urging Germany to stop exaggerating espionage threats that could harm bilateral relations. This case follows a pattern of increasing tensions between Germany and China over alleged spying incidents, including the arrest of a Chinese woman in Germany for espionage last year. Prosecutors have highlighted the international implications of such espionage activities, given the recent arrest of a U.S. national in Germany on similar charges.