Germany has made headlines after the arrest of a Chinese woman suspected of passing on sensitive airport information to an individual believed to be spying for China. The arrest took place in Leipzig, with the suspect identified only as Yaqi X., in accordance with German privacy regulations, prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday.
Yaqi X. is accused of working for a Chinese intelligence service and sharing details about flights, freight (including military equipment), and passengers at a major air freight hub. This hub, the Leipzig/Halle Airport, is a significant cargo facility in addition to handling passenger flights.
According to federal prosecutors, Yaqi X. allegedly provided this information to Jian Guo, a German national and former aide to far-right European Parliament member Maximilian Krah, who was arrested in April. The data shared reportedly included specifics on the transportation of military equipment and individuals associated with a German defence company, though the company was not named.
The arrest of Yaqi X. followed a court order for her to be detained pending potential charges. Subsequent searches were conducted at her residence and workplace as part of the ongoing investigation. Prosecutors have indicated that Jian Guo is believed to have worked for a Chinese intelligence agency and was involved in divulging details regarding negotiations and decisions within the European Parliament, as well as monitoring Chinese dissidents in Germany.
This incident follows another espionage case in April, where three German nationals were detained on suspicion of spying for China and facilitating the transfer of technology with potential military applications. The unfolding situations have raised concerns about foreign influence and espionage activities within the country.
As the investigation continues, German authorities are working to uncover the extent of the espionage activities and prevent further breaches of national security. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by countries in safeguarding critical infrastructure and information from illicit foreign interference.