Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office has announced charges against three individuals accused of providing China’s intelligence service with information on maritime technologies potentially usable for military purposes.
The prosecution, in its statement on Thursday, January 9, identified the suspects as German citizens referred to as Herwig F., Ina F., and Thomas R. The trio is accused of working for China’s intelligence agency.
According to the statement, since 2017, Thomas R. allegedly acted as an agent for a Chinese intelligence officer based in China. He reportedly connected with the other two suspects — a married couple running a company in Düsseldorf.
The charges involve obtaining information on innovative technologies with potential military applications between 2017 and 2024. The technologies reportedly include:
- Boat engines
- Sonar systems
- Aircraft defense systems
- Engines for armored vehicles
- Drone technologies
All of these items have potential military use, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Herwig F., Ina F., and Thomas R. were arrested in April 2024. Formal charges were filed against them in December of the same year.
The case highlights concerns about industrial and military espionage, particularly regarding advanced technologies with dual-use capabilities. German authorities are intensifying efforts to combat such threats, which pose risks to both national security and technological integrity.
