DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Conflict & Security

Canadian intern at NATO HQ arrested on suspicion of espionage

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • A Canadian woman of Chinese descent, interning at NATO headquarters in Bergen, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage.
  • She is also suspected of participating in a criminal organization.
  • The federal prosecutor's office is investigating the case but has released no further details to protect the ongoing investigation.

A Canadian woman of Chinese origin, recently undertaking an internship at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Bergen, has been placed under arrest. The federal prosecutor's office confirmed the arrest, stating she is suspected of espionage and involvement in a criminal organization.

SHAPE serves as NATO's primary military headquarters. The woman's activities came to the attention of SHAPE's security services, who subsequently alerted the General Intelligence and Security Service (ADIV). As espionage falls under the jurisdiction of the federal prosecutor, the case was immediately handed over to them.

The Federal Judicial Police of Charleroi is now leading the investigation. However, officials have refrained from disclosing specific details about the alleged espionage activities. This decision has been made to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation and prevent any potential compromise.

Following investigations and searches conducted at the woman's residence and workplace, she was formally placed under a warrant of arrest. The federal prosecutor's office has stated that no further information will be provided at this time, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the case and the need to protect the investigative process.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.