Norway Detains Two Chinese Nationals Over Suspected Espionage Activities in the North

On May 15, 2024, Nordland police detained a Chinese man, suspected of “attempted illegal intelligence activities in Nordland.” A court on May 17 ordered a four-week custodial remand. The arrest follows a May 7 detention of a Chinese woman suspected of spying on Norwegian satellite data; the man denied the offence.

Norway arrests second Chinese national in suspected spying case

Norway’s Police Security Service (PST) names China and Russia as its main espionage threats. Its latest assessment warns of foreign interest in land near critical infrastructure and military sites, especially in the Arctic where satellite and communications assets are concentrated. The alleged use of a Norwegian-registered company to download data from polar-orbiting satellites has heightened concerns about foreign intelligence targeting Norway’s critical infrastructure.

Norway arrests second Chinese national in suspected spying case

• May 7: PST announces arrest of a Chinese woman suspected of establishing a satellite-data receiving station for a Chinese state actor.

Norway arrests second Chinese national in suspected spying case

• May 15: Chinese man detained in Nordland on suspicion of illegal intelligence activities.

South China Morning Post

• May 17: Court orders a four-week custodial remand.

South China Morning Post

Authorities allege a Norwegian-registered company was used as a cover to set up a receiving station to download data from polar-orbiting satellites. Both suspects remain in custody for four weeks.

Norway arrests second Chinese national in suspected spying case

PST spokesperson Eirik Veum confirmed the man’s arrest but gave no further details. Prosecutor Thomas Blom said a Norwegian-registered company was allegedly used as a cover by a Chinese state actor to set up a satellite-data receiving station. Lawyer Tor Haug said his client denied the offence.

The Straits Times

All sources agree on the arrests and custodial orders, but none detail the alleged intelligence activities, the Norwegian company’s identity, or the scope of the targeted satellite data, limiting assessment of the case’s severity.

Norway arrests second Chinese national in suspected spying case

• “attempted illegal intelligence activities in Nordland” — Eirik Veum, PST media spokesman

The Straits Times

• “based on suspicions that a company registered in Norway is being used as a cover for an attempt by a Chinese state actor to establish a receiving station to download data from satellites in polar orbit,” — Thomas Blom, police prosecutor, PST

The Straits Times

• “Norwegian intelligence services regularly single out China and Russia as the main risks to Norway when it comes to espionage.” — PST threat assessment (attributed to PST)

The Straits Times

• “The man’s lawyer, Tor Haug, told news agency NTB that the man denied the offence.” — Tor Haug, lawyer

The Straits Times

PST indicated other individuals are suspected, suggesting the probe could expand. The case underscores PST’s warning about foreign interest in land near critical infrastructure, a focus likely to stay under close scrutiny.

The Straits Times