Belgian authorities arrest Canadian intern on suspicion of spying at NATO military headquarters
Belgian prosecutors have launched an investigation into a Canadian woman of Chinese origin arrested on suspicion of spying while working as an intern at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.
The suspect’s workplace and residence inside the NATO military base were searched following a tip-off from NATO security services regarding suspicious behaviour, including asking unauthorised questions and loitering near alliance buildings.
She has been remanded in pre-trial custody for one month on charges of espionage for a third country and membership of a criminal organisation.
The incident has raised significant concerns over international security clearance procedures, which fall under the responsibility of an intern’s home nation, in this instance, Canada.
Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree confirmed that national authorities will review their security screening protocols to determine how the breach occurred. Meanwhile, NATO officials stated that the alliance remains fully committed to safeguarding classified information and protecting personnel.