The Ukrainian government has arrested two Chinese nationals in the capital Kyiv, suspected of collecting sensitive technical information on Ukraine's domestically developed 'Neptune' cruise missile system for Chinese intelligence agencies. The missile was used in 2022 to sink the Russian Black Sea Fleet's flagship 'Moskva' and is an important strategic weapon for the Ukrainian military. There has been no comment from the Chinese side so far.
The Security Service of Ukraine stated that the two detained individuals are a father and son: 24-year-old Deng Yancheng (transliteration) and his father Deng Zehua (transliteration). Deng Yancheng was once an international student at a polytechnic university in Kyiv, but after failing his studies in 2023, he was expelled. He nevertheless remained in Ukraine.
Authorities allege that Deng Yancheng tried to recruit a local individual involved in the development of new Ukrainian defense weapons to obtain technical documents on the 'Neptune' missile and to pass this material to his father Deng Zehua, who would then relay it to Chinese intelligence. Deng Zehua has long resided in China but regularly traveled to Ukraine to coordinate related activities.
● Chinese Father and Son Face Up to 15 Years in Prison
The Security Service of Ukraine stated that counterintelligence officers arrested both men on the spot while they were exchanging classified materials, and evidence of their contacts and espionage planning was found on their phones. The two have been formally charged with espionage and, if convicted, face up to 15 years in prison.