German authorities have arrested a US citizen suspected of offering intelligence about the US military to China while working for US forces in Germany.
The man, identified only as Martin D under German privacy law, was arrested in Frankfurt on Thursday. Prosecutors allege that he contacted Chinese officials in 2024 and offered to provide sensitive information about the US military, declaring his willingness to act as an agent for a foreign intelligence agency.
The accused reportedly worked for US forces “until recently.” The investigation is being conducted in close coordination with German intelligence.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns about espionage in Germany, particularly from Russia and China.
Berlin has seen an increase in suspected spying cases linked to Russia since the Ukraine war, and ties with China are under increasing pressure. Last month, Germany issued warnings about heightened espionage risks from Beijing and implemented stricter security checks for staff in sensitive government and business areas.
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In April, three Germans were arrested on suspicion of collaborating with China to transfer technology that could strengthen its navy. The same month, a European Union staffer affiliated with a far-right German politician was accused of working with Chinese intelligence.
Concerns about alleged Chinese espionage have also escalated elsewhere in the West. In March, the US and Britain accused Beijing of engaging in cyberespionage against millions of individuals, including lawmakers, academics, and journalists, as well as defense contractors. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed these allegations as “hyped” and aimed at discrediting China.
Neither China nor the US has yet commented on the arrest of Martin D.
Source: Al Jazeera
