The German prosecutor's office has arrested Xuejun C. and Hua S., a married couple suspected of spying for Chinese intelligence. They are accused of seeking information on advanced technology with military applications. According to the authorities, the couple contacted academics at German universities and institutes, especially in the fields of aerospace engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence, posing as interpreters or employees of an automobile manufacturer.
The targets of espionage: aerospace, AI, and advanced computing 🛰️
Investigators point out that the couple focused on German research centers with projects in aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, and computer systems. By pretending to be translators or automotive staff, they sought to obtain data on sensors, navigation algorithms, and composite materials. These areas have direct applications in drones, satellites, and autonomous weapons systems. The German prosecutor's office believes the collected information could be transferred to Chinese military programs.
Translators by trade, spies by hobby 😅
The couple chose a low-profile cover: interpreters and employees of a car brand. Perhaps they thought no one would suspect a married couple offering translation services at engineering conferences. The problem is that, while other spies disguise themselves as diplomats or executives, they wore the disguise of office workers. Now they will have time to practice German in a cell, although legal vocabulary was not in their study plan.