A woman walks down steps next to the NATO logo during the NATO Defense Industry Forum at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

By The Canadian Press

Canadian NATO intern arrested on suspicions of espionage in Belgium

Jul 25, 2026 | 10:34 AM

MONS — A Canadian intern at NATO has been arrested on suspicions of espionage.

Belgium’s federal prosecutor says in a statement the female intern of Chinese origin is suspected of spying on behalf of a third country.

She is also suspected of being a member of a criminal organization.

The Canadian intern had been working at NATO’s strategic headquarters of the Allied Powers Europe, also known as SHAPE, which is located in Mons, a city in southwestern Belgium.

“Following a number of investigative tasks, an operation was carried out on Thursday 23, July, by the Charleroi FJP. Searches were carried out at the suspect’s home and at her place of work, at SHAPE,” reads the federal prosecutor’s statement, released Saturday.

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The suspect was arrested Friday.

A Public Safety Canada spokesperson said in an email Saturday the department is not in a position to comment as the matter is under investigation.

“Canadians can be assured that all Government of Canada law enforcement and intelligence agencies maintain strong relationships with partner agencies that assist in addressing threat-related activity like those described in relation to the arrest made in Belgium on Thursday,” reads the statement from Margo Boyle.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2026.

— By Lyndsay Armstrong in Halifax.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Canadian NATO intern arrested on suspicions of espionage in Belgium

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