Belgium Arrests 1 Canadian Intern at NATO HQ on Spying Charges

3 articles · Updated · Financial Times · Jul 25

Belgian authorities arrested a Canadian woman of Chinese origin on July 24 after searches of her home and workplace tied to suspected spying at NATO’s SHAPE headquarters.
SHAPE officials first raised concerns, prompting a joint investigation by Belgian military intelligence and federal police; prosecutors said she is suspected of spying for a third country and belonging to a criminal organization.
SHAPE spokesperson Martin O’Donnell said there is no sign the case harmed NATO operational readiness, command-and-control arrangements or ongoing tasks, and the base continues operating without interruption.
Belgium hosts NATO’s military and civilian headquarters as well as major EU institutions, making it a recurring espionage target; last year, a Chinese cyberattack on Belgian intelligence was revealed and a police officer was detained over spying for China and Russia.