Suspect detained in Poland for allegedly spying for China

Yesterday 18:30

By: Sahili Aya

Suspect detained in Poland for allegedly spying for China

A 32-year-old Montenegrin national was detained at Warsaw Chopin Airport on suspicion of spying for China, Polish authorities reported on Tuesday. The arrest followed a European Arrest Warrant issued by Lithuania, which suspects the individual of acting on behalf of Chinese intelligence services.

Officers from Poland's Central Bureau of Investigation carried out the operation. Authorities have not publicly detailed the alleged activities due to the sensitivity of the investigation. The suspect will face judicial proceedings in accordance with EU extradition rules.

Lithuania has repeatedly warned in recent years about heightened intelligence activities from China, Russia, and Belarus in the Baltic region. This case underscores growing concerns over foreign espionage in Central and Eastern Europe.

Poland’s strategic location, serving as a logistical hub for military and humanitarian support to Ukraine and its proximity to Russia's Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, makes it a key target for intelligence activities, according to Polish security officials.

The country has recently intensified counter-espionage measures, with multiple arrests and investigations into alleged espionage, sabotage, and collaboration with foreign intelligence services. While most past cases have involved Russia and Belarus, officials now note an increasing focus on Chinese intelligence interest in sensitive technologies, infrastructure, and political influence.