Canadian Woman of Chinese Origin Arrested at NATO HQ Over Espionage, Belgian Authorities Launch Probe
A Canadian woman of Chinese origin, who was working as an intern at NATO's strategic military headquarters in Belgium, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage and membership of a criminal organisation, Belgian authorities said on Saturday. The arrest followed an investigation launched after NATO's security services alerted Belgium's military intelligence.
Brussels, July 26: A Canadian woman of Chinese origin, who was working as an intern at NATO's strategic military headquarters in Belgium, has been arrested on suspicion of espionage and membership of a criminal organisation, Belgian authorities said on Saturday. The arrest followed an investigation launched after NATO's security services alerted Belgium's military intelligence.
The suspect was detained on Friday, a day after Belgian authorities searched her home and workplace at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons. According to Belgium's Federal Prosecutor's Office, she is suspected of "spying on behalf of a third country" and being part of a criminal organisation. ISI Espionage Bust: Spy Network Transmitted Live Feed of Mumbai Naval Facilities and Railway Stations to Handlers in Pakistan; Nationwide CCTV Audit Ordered.
Canadian Woman of Chinese Origin Arrested at NATO HQ Over Alleged Espionage
SHAPE serves as NATO's operational military headquarters, where officials plan and command alliance strategy, operations and missions. Despite the arrest, NATO said there is no indication that operational readiness, command and control arrangements or ongoing missions have been affected.
"SHAPE continues to fulfil its responsibilities without interruption," spokesperson Col. Martin L. O'Donnell said. Pentagon Raises Israel’s Espionage Threat to ‘Critical’ Level Amid Widening Donald Trump-Benjamin Netanyahu Rifts: Report.
The case comes as NATO continues to identify China as a security challenge, accusing Beijing of attempting to undermine the international order, expanding its military capabilities and conducting destabilising disinformation campaigns. China has consistently denied the allegations, saying its military development is purely defensive.
The espionage investigation also comes at a sensitive time for the 32-member alliance amid growing geopolitical tensions and increased focus on defence and security across Europe.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 07:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).