Norway arrests Chinese man over alleged spying offences

WorldPolitics
18 May 2026 • 6:00 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Norway arrests Chinese man over alleged spying offences

  • Norway has arrested a Chinese citizen on suspicion of attempted espionage, marking the second such case this month.
  • The man was suspected of "attempted illegal intelligence activities in Nordland" and has been remanded in custody for four weeks, though his lawyers deny the allegations.
  • Earlier this month, a Chinese woman was accused of using a Norwegian company as a front to establish a satellite data receiving station, which could harm fundamental Norwegian interests.
  • Authorities conducted searches at two locations linked to the previous arrest, including the Andoya Spaceport, a key European space facility.
  • Norwegian intelligence agencies consistently identify China and Russia as the primary espionage threats, noting their efforts to undermine the country's crisis response and economic competitiveness.

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