A Canadian national of Chinese origin who was undertaking an internship at SHAPE, NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium, has been placed in detention on suspicion of espionage on behalf of a third country and participation in a criminal organisation.
According to a statement from the Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office, an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect on 24 July following an investigation by the Federal Judicial Police in Charleroi under the supervision of an investigating judge in Mons.
The case first came to the attention of SHAPE's security services, which alerted Belgium's General Intelligence and Security Service.
As espionage offences fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Prosecutor's Office, the case was immediately transferred to the relevant authorities and a judicial investigation was launched into suspected espionage and participation in a criminal organisation.
Searches at home and workplace
On Thursday, officers from the Federal Judicial Police carried out searches at both the suspect's residence and workplace within SHAPE's facilities.
The operation also involved the cybercrime unit and other specialised services.
On Friday, the investigating judge ordered the suspect's pre-trial detention on charges related to espionage and participation in a criminal organisation.
Few details released
Belgian authorities have not disclosed the identity of the suspect and have not named the country on whose behalf she is alleged to have acted.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office said no further public comment would be made at this stage in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
