Through their company, Herwig F. and Ina F. concluded a “cooperation agreement” with a German university, which included the preparation of a study for a Chinese partner on machine parts important for the operation of powerful ship engines, including those used in combat. ships, according to prosecutors.
Behind the Chinese contractor was the MSS employee who gave orders to Thomas R., and the project was financed by Chinese state agencies, they added.
“At the time of their arrest, the defendants were in discussions about research projects that could be useful in expanding China’s maritime combat power,” prosecutors said.
The suspects also allegedly purchased a “special laser” from Germany on behalf of the Beijing MSS and exported it to China without authorization.
Last week, Germany arrested two German-Russian nationals suspected of planning sabotage attacks against US military infrastructure, industrial sites and military sites in complicity with Moscow.
Politico
