A 38-year-old Chinese woman, identified as Yaqi X, has been arrested in Leipzig on suspicion of passing sensitive information about the Leipzig/Halle airport to Chinese intelligence.
The airport is a critical hub for Germany’s defence exports, particularly military supplies destined for Ukraine.
According to German prosecutors, Yaqi X worked for a logistics company servicing the airport. Between August 2023 and February 2024, she allegedly sent details about military flights, passengers, and cargo to Jian G, a suspected agent for China’s secret services.
The airport plays a key role in the transportation of defence materials, with Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest defence contractor, believed to be at the center of the investigation.
Jian G, who was arrested earlier this year, had been working as an aide for a member of the European Parliament from the far-right AfD party.
He is accused of spying on Chinese dissidents in Germany and passing European Parliament information to Chinese intelligence.
His former employer, MEP Maximilian Krah, dismissed him after the allegations surfaced, although there is no evidence to suggest Krah was involved in the espionage.
Yaqi X has been remanded in custody, and authorities have searched her home and workplace as part of the ongoing investigation.
This case highlights the increasing tensions between Germany and China regarding espionage activities targeting sensitive industries, particularly those linked to the defence sector.
