April 22, 2024 at 11:36AM
Three individuals, including Thomas R, were arrested in Germany for attempting to transfer military technology to China, in violation of export rules. The suspects allegedly collected data on tech with military potential and sent a laser to China, receiving payment from China’s Ministry of State Security. They are set to appear before the Federal Court of Justice.
Summary of Meeting Notes:
– Three German citizens have been arrested for attempting to transfer military technology to China, a violation of Germany’s export rules.
– The suspects are identified as Thomas R, Herwig F and Ina F, with Thomas R suspected of having connections to China’s Ministry of State Security.
– Herwig and Ina F allegedly run a Düsseldorf-based company with connections to Germany’s science community and are accused of working for the MSS.
– Thomas R is said to have collected data on tech with military potential through the company run by Herwig and Ina F, with the involvement of a German university.
– The suspects are accused of attempting to start research projects that would have further assisted China’s navy.
– There is no mention of the university or its faculty being implicated in the tech smuggling plot.
– The suspects are also alleged to have sent a laser to China and received payment from the MSS for doing so.
– Transferring dual-use technology and equipment to China violates Germany’s Foreign Trade Act and EU dual-use regulation.
– The Federal Prosecutor’s Office did not mention the potential sentence if the suspects are found guilty.
– The suspects are set to be brought before the Federal Court of Justice.
The situation highlights China’s efforts to acquire dual-use technology, posing a challenge for Western countries in preventing this.