A Canadian woman of Chinese origin has been arrested in Belgium after allegedly spying while working as an intern at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons.
Belgian prosecutors say the investigation began after NATO security officials reported suspicious behaviour, prompting raids at the woman’s home and at her workplace within NATO headquarters. She is accused of spying for an unnamed third country and of being linked to a criminal organization. A Belgian court has ordered her to remain in pretrial custody for one month while the investigation continues.
Authorities have not identified the suspect or revealed which country she is accused of working for. Under NATO procedures, Canada was responsible for her security clearance before she began the internship.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed it is assisting Belgian investigators, while Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Canada will review its security screening process. NATO says it remains committed to protecting classified information and ensuring the security of the military alliance as the case unfolds.