Norway has arrested a Chinese citizen on suspicion of attempted espionage, marking the second such case this month. The man is suspected of engaging in “attempted illegal intelligence activities in Nordland,” according to Eirik Veum, a media spokesman for the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST).
Details of the Arrest
The suspect was remanded in custody for four weeks following a court hearing, though his legal representatives have rejected the allegations. The PST has not released further details about the specific nature of the activities in Nordland.
Previous Case Involving a Chinese Woman
In the earlier case, PST prosecutor Thomas Blom stated that a Chinese woman was accused of using a company registered in Norway “as a cover for an attempt by a Chinese state actor to establish a receiving station to download data from satellites in polar orbit.” The woman allegedly tried to set up a receiver for satellite downloads that could collect data harmful to Norwegian national interests if disclosed to a foreign state. Blom described the charge as “complicity in an attempt at serious espionage against state secrets.”
Police conducted searches at two locations linked to that arrest: a site on a northern island housing the Andoya Spaceport, a key facility for Europe’s space ambitions, and another in Innlandet in southern Norway. Andoya Space CEO Ketil Olsen clarified that the company had no connection to the individual involved and had observed no related activity.
Espionage Threats to Norway
Norwegian intelligence agencies have repeatedly identified China and Russia as primary espionage threats. The Norwegian National Threat Assessment for 2024 report stated: “Russian and Chinese intelligence services pose the greatest threat on Norwegian territory, employing different methods to achieve their goals. Their activities may undermine Norway’s ability to handle crises, impair business competitiveness, and make individuals feel unsafe.” The report also noted that foreign intelligence services are likely to recruit individuals in Norway as sources, adopt increasingly complex corporate structures, and demonstrate creativity in procuring sensitive technology from Norwegian enterprises.
