A Canadian woman who worked as an intern at NATO’s military headquarters in Belgium has been arrested on suspicion of espionage, Belgian authorities have confirmed.
The woman, described by Belgian prosecutors as a Canadian citizen of Chinese origin, is suspected of spying on behalf of a third country and participating in the activities of a criminal organisation. Authorities have not publicly identified the country she is alleged to have been working for.
The investigation began after NATO security services alerted Belgian authorities to suspicious activity. Belgium’s military intelligence service and federal police subsequently became involved in the investigation.
The woman had been working as an intern at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. SHAPE is one of NATO’s most important military command centres and serves as the headquarters of Allied Command Operations.
Belgian authorities carried out searches at locations connected to the suspect, including her residence and workplace, as part of the investigation. She was subsequently placed under arrest.
Officials have not publicly released the woman’s identity, and the allegations against her have not been proven in court. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the suspected espionage activity.
NATO has said the incident has not affected its operations or military readiness.
The arrest has attracted international attention because of the sensitive nature of the facility where the woman worked and growing concerns about espionage targeting Western defence and security organisations.