In brief
SHAPE security noticed the intern browsing files far beyond her job scope, prompting an immediate referral to Belgium's military intelligence service SGRS.
On Thursday 23 July, federal police searched her residence and SHAPE office, seizing a laptop and mobile phone for forensic examination.
A Belgian judge placed the woman under arrest on Friday 24 July for 'espionage in favour of a third country' and 'participation in a criminal organisation,' the federal prosecutor announced.
SHAPE spokesperson Martin O'Donnell said there was no indication that NATO's readiness or command and control were affected, and SHAPE continues its duties without interruption.
In a wider context, Belgian, Italian, Greek, Polish and German authorities have arrested at least 30 individuals on suspicion of spying for China over the past two years, though the country behind the SHAPE case remains unnamed.
- DetectionSHAPE security services detect the intern accessing restricted computer files and report to the Belgian military intelligence service SGRS.
- SearchesBelgian federal judicial police, assisted by computer crime and technical units, search the suspect's home and workspace at SHAPE on Thursday 23 July.
- Arrest warrantAn investigating judge at Mons places the woman under arrest on Friday 24 July for espionage in favour of a third country and participation in a criminal organisation.
- Public confirmationOn Saturday 25 July, the federal prosecutor's office publicly confirms the arrest, stating the investigation is ongoing with no further comment.
Detection at the headquarters
The intern, a Canadian citizen of Chinese origin, had recently started a placement at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. Security services at the base noticed that she was consulting computer files and documents that lay well outside the scope of her assigned duties. The behaviour was immediately reported to the Belgian General Intelligence and Security Service (SGRS), the military intelligence branch, on suspicion of spying.
Arrest and formal charges
After the initial alert, Belgium's federal prosecutor took over the case, entrusting the investigation to the federal judicial police in Charleroi. Searches were carried out at the suspect's home and her workplace inside SHAPE on Thursday 23 July. Police seized her laptop and mobile phone, which are now being examined by a computer crime unit. An investigating judge in Mons placed the woman under arrest the following day, Friday 24 July, on charges of "espionage in favour of a third country" and "participation in a criminal organisation."
The federal prosecutor did not name the country for which the intern is alleged to have worked, nor did it provide additional details about the nature of the classified material she accessed. The investigation remains ongoing and authorities said they will not comment further while inquiries continue.
No impact on NATO operations
SHAPE spokesperson Martin O'Donnell issued a statement confirming the arrest but stressing that there was no indication the incident had compromised the alliance's military capabilities.
“At this time, there is no indication that NATO's or Shape's operational readiness, command and control arrangements or ongoing tasks have been affected. Shape continues to carry out its responsibilities without interruption.”
SHAPE is the strategic military hub where commanders plan and execute all NATO missions, and the site houses highly sensitive operational planning data.
Belgian defence minister reacts
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken welcomed the swift response of the security services and the judiciary. He underscored that counter-espionage remains a top priority for Belgium, which hosts both SHAPE and NATO's political headquarters as well as the EU institutions.
“I am satisfied with the vigilance of the SHAPE security services and the decisive action of the Belgian security and judicial services. Counter-espionage remains a priority mission for services such as the VSSE and the SGRS. Our country is, after Washington, the most important diplomatic centre in the world. Espionage activities are numerous. The message is clear: remain vigilant.”
Broader pattern of suspected foreign spying
The arrest occurs against a backdrop of multiple espionage cases uncovered in Europe. In the past two years, at least 30 individuals have been arrested in Belgium, Italy, Greece, Poland and Germany on suspicion of spying for China, frequently involving nationals of Chinese origin but also European citizens. One high-profile case involved a Greek air force colonel who was recruited through a LinkedIn contact and later received cryptocurrency payments equivalent to 15,000 euros per batch of military secrets. While the SHAPE intern case does not yet name a state actor, European security services have repeatedly warned that foreign intelligence operations, including by Beijing, are intensifying on the continent.
The federal prosecutor's office confirmed that the investigation is still active and no further information will be released at this stage.