Germany arrests US national accused of spying for China
The accused worked for the US armed forces in Germany until recently, according to prosecutors.
German authorities have arrested a U.S. citizen suspected of offering classified information on the U.S. military to China, according to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Germany. The individual, identified as Martin D under German privacy law, was detained in Frankfurt on Thursday.
Prosecutors allege that Martin D, who had been employed with U.S. forces in Germany until recently, approached Chinese officials in 2024, offering to supply sensitive details regarding the U.S. military. According to the statement, he expressed his willingness to work as an agent for a foreign intelligence service. The investigation, conducted in close coordination with German intelligence, is ongoing.
The arrest comes amid rising concerns in Berlin over espionage activities, particularly as geopolitical tensions increase. German officials have recently reported heightened risks associated with espionage from both Russia, particularly following the Ukraine conflict, and China. Last month, the German government introduced stricter security checks for personnel in sensitive government and business roles, citing potential risks associated with China.
Earlier this year, Germany apprehended three nationals suspected of attempting to transfer technology to enhance China’s naval capabilities, and an EU staffer was accused of colluding with Chinese intelligence. Alleged Chinese espionage activities have also prompted concerns across other Western nations. In March, the United States and the United Kingdom accused China of cyber-espionage targeting individuals in academia, journalism, government, and defense contracting. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed these claims, labeling them as exaggerated attempts to discredit China.
