Trial Begins in Düsseldorf Over Alleged Espionage for China
Three individuals face charges related to the unauthorized transfer of military technology to Chinese intelligence.
In Düsseldorf, a trial has commenced concerning alleged espionage activities linked to China, involving three German nationals.
The proceedings began on Tuesday at the Higher Regional Court, where the defendants are accused of leaking military technology information to the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The accused include a 60-year-old corporate consultant from Bad Homburg, Hesse, and a couple from Viersen in North Rhine-Westphalia, who operated a consulting firm with offices in London and Shanghai.
The individuals were detained by federal criminal police in April of the previous year during coordinated operations in Düsseldorf and Bad Homburg.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office alleges that between February 2017 and April 2024, the defendants engaged in the systematic collection of information that could enhance China's maritime combat capabilities.
The 60-year-old consultant is specifically accused of relaying this sensitive information to his contact within the MSS.
Meanwhile, the couple is reported to have also acquired three specialized lasers, which they allegedly exported to China without the necessary governmental authorization.
The trial is scheduled to span until June 25, with a total of 13 hearing days planned.
The couple, having undergone several months of pre-trial detention, has been released since October, unlike their male co-defendant.
The proceedings began on Tuesday at the Higher Regional Court, where the defendants are accused of leaking military technology information to the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The accused include a 60-year-old corporate consultant from Bad Homburg, Hesse, and a couple from Viersen in North Rhine-Westphalia, who operated a consulting firm with offices in London and Shanghai.
The individuals were detained by federal criminal police in April of the previous year during coordinated operations in Düsseldorf and Bad Homburg.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office alleges that between February 2017 and April 2024, the defendants engaged in the systematic collection of information that could enhance China's maritime combat capabilities.
The 60-year-old consultant is specifically accused of relaying this sensitive information to his contact within the MSS.
Meanwhile, the couple is reported to have also acquired three specialized lasers, which they allegedly exported to China without the necessary governmental authorization.
The trial is scheduled to span until June 25, with a total of 13 hearing days planned.
The couple, having undergone several months of pre-trial detention, has been released since October, unlike their male co-defendant.
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Translated by AI
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