In the UK and Germany, authorities have made arrests of 5 individuals suspected of working for Chinese intelligence. While the arrests are not related, they shed light on the methods employed by the Celestial Employment Affairs of Intellectual Property.
In the UK, Christopher Berry (32 years old) and Christopher Cash (29 years old) are accused of violating the Official Secrets Act in favor of China. The arrests took place in March 2023, with the first hearing scheduled for April 26. Cash has maintained his innocence through his legal representation.
In Germany, three citizens identified as Hurvig F., Inf. R. were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Chinese intelligence. Prosecutors allege that the defendants had been actively working with Chinese special services until June 2022.
Of particular interest in this case is the procurement and shipment of a specialized laser to China, a transaction subject to EU export control. Thomas R. is believed to have acted on behalf of an undisclosed officer of China’s Ministry of State Security (MGB), gathering data on cutting-edge technologies with military application.
The prosecutors also revealed an agreement between the accused individuals and a German University, involving the transfer of scientific information to their Chinese partners on behalf of the MGB of China. This research could potentially bolster China’s naval capabilities. The defendants are set to appear before the federal court to determine their custody status.