Chinese national arrested in Norway on suspicion of espionage

A Chinese woman has been detained in Norway on suspicion of assisting in serious intelligence activities targeting state secrets, Norwegian security police confirmed Thursday.

The arrest was carried out by Norway’s Police Security Service (PST), which also conducted searches at two properties—one on Andøya in Nordland county and another in Otta, Innlandet county, according to a statement to Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet. Local police in both regions assisted in the operation.

PST spokesperson Thomas Blom told reporters the action follows suspicions that a Norwegian-registered company acted as a front for a Chinese state entity attempting to establish a satellite ground station. The facility was allegedly intended to download data from polar-orbiting satellites capable of gathering information that could harm Norway’s national interests if obtained by a foreign power.

The woman faces charges of “complicity in serious intelligence activities against state secrets.” Authorities have seized the satellite receiver in question, halting plans to install and activate it.

Blom confirmed multiple individuals are under investigation in connection with the case but declined to provide further details. PST has previously warned about espionage risks linked to Andøya Space, a rocket range and military air station on the island.

Norwegian broadcaster VG first reported the arrest.