NATO intern arrested in Belgium on suspicion of espionage

A Canadian woman of Chinese origin who had been an intern at one of NATO's main facilities in Belgium has been arrested on suspicion of espionage and involvement in a criminal organization, Belgian prosecutors have announced.

According to authorities, the woman is suspected of acting on behalf of a third country, although it has not been revealed which country is involved.

The prosecution has stated that investigations are ongoing and that no further information about the suspect's identity will be released at this time, Reuters writes.

The suspect had worked as an intern at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), the main headquarters of NATO's military command in Mons, Belgium. This facility is one of the Alliance's most important centers, where NATO's military operations and planning in Europe are coordinated.

The Belgian prosecutor's office has not provided details on the alleged nature of her activities, the length of her practice or the information she may have had access to. However, the case is being treated with seriousness because of the location where she was involved and SHAPE's strategic role within NATO structures.

The arrest comes at a time when NATO member countries have heightened vigilance against threats of espionage and foreign interference, particularly in institutions related to security and defense.

Belgian authorities are expected to provide more information after the initial stages of the investigation are completed. /Telegraph/ ...