NATO intern arrested in Belgium on suspicion of espionage for foreign power

Published Jul 25, 11:08 AM UTC

Belgian authorities arrested a Canadian national of Chinese origin interning at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) near Mons on charges of spying for a foreign power and participating in a criminal organization. The suspect was flagged by SHAPE's internal security team, leading to an investigation by Belgium's General Intelligence and Security Service (SGRS) and federal prosecutors. On July 23, police raided the suspect's residence and office at the NATO facility, seizing digital and physical evidence with help from computer crime and forensic units. An investigating judge ordered her detention on July 24. The case highlights ongoing security concerns within NATO amid heightened tensions with China.