German federal prosecutors have arrested a married couple in Munich on suspicion of working for a Chinese intelligence service and seeking access to sensitive research with possible military uses.
The German nationals are accused of building contacts with scientists at universities and research institutions, including professors in aerospace engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence, in an effort to obtain high-tech information for China.
According to prosecutors, the pair at times presented themselves as interpreters or employees of a car company. They allegedly encouraged some researchers to travel to China to deliver paid lectures to what they were told were civilian audiences. Prosecutors said representatives of state-linked defence companies were in fact present at some of the events.
The arrests come as German authorities warn of growing security concerns linked to China, particularly around technology transfer and the protection of research with dual-use potential.
Germany’s government, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has been seeking to reduce dependence and risk in economic ties with China, while Beijing has repeatedly denied allegations of espionage.
Source: CNN.gr
