(Norway, 18th) The Norwegian Police Security Service said on the 17th that a Chinese man suspected of espionage activities was arrested in the north of the country. Just a few weeks ago, a Chinese woman was also arrested on suspicion of stealing satellite data.
According to AFP reports, Norwegian intelligence agencies often list China and Russia as major sources of espionage risk against Norway. According to the latest threat assessment report, both countries have shown interest in purchasing land near key infrastructure or military facilities.
The Norwegian Police Security Service's media spokesperson, Wim, told AFP that the suspect was arrested by the Nordland police on the 15th. The man is suspected of “attempting to conduct illegal intelligence activities” in the Nordland region, but refused to disclose the specific details of these activities.
The Norwegian court ruled that the suspect would be held in custody for four weeks.
The lawyer appointed by the suspect told the Norwegian News Agency that his client denies any wrongdoing.
On the 7th, the Norwegian Police Security Service announced that a Chinese woman suspected of espionage activities targeting Norwegian satellite data had been arrested.
At that time, Norwegian Police Security Service lawyer Blom told AFP that the woman was arrested “based on suspicion that Chinese state actors, using a company registered in Norway as a cover, attempted to build a receiver to download data collected by Norwegian satellites in polar orbit.”
The Norwegian Police Security Service also stated that other individuals are suspected of involvement in the case.