Norwegian authorities arrested a Chinese citizen on espionage allegations Thursday, accusing the individual of attempting to establish a receiver for collecting sensitive satellite data, the country’s domestic intelligence service announced.
The Police Security Service (PST) revealed that the suspect, identified only as a Chinese woman, allegedly tried to set up a receiver for satellite downloads from polar orbits. Such data could harm fundamental Norwegian interests if acquired by a foreign state, said PST police attorney Thomas Blom in a statement.
Police also searched two premises in connection with the arrest. One was located on an island in northern Norway, home to Andøya Spaceport, a key site in Europe’s efforts to expand its space presence. The other search occurred in Innlandet, in southern Norway.
The operation was launched on suspicion that a Norwegian-registered company was operating as a front for a Chinese state actor, according to the PST. The satellite receiver in question has been seized, and the alleged plans to install and operate it have been halted. The incident involves complicity in an attempt at serious espionage against state secrets, the statement added.
Several other individuals have been charged in the same case, though no further details were provided, including their nationalities or whether they were arrested. Andøya Spaceport's CEO, Ketil Olsen, stated that the company has no connection to the individual involved and has not observed any activity related to its operations in this matter.
