A former Canadian United Nations official, now an expert on North Korea, has been detained in Switzerland on suspicion of espionage for China.
The individual, a man in his fifties, was arrested this spring following an investigation that began at least two years ago.
Swiss authorities, after monitoring his frequent travels to China where he worked as an environmental consultant, suspected him of conducting political, economic, and military intelligence on behalf of the Chinese government.
The investigation, launched by the Swiss Attorney General’s office on March 14, 2023, remains ongoing.
The case was first reported by German outlet Der Spiegel
Swiss authorities have not released the name of the individual, and no formal charges have been announced.
The Swiss Attorney General’s office emphasized the importance of maintaining secrecy in espionage investigations.
The arrest highlights growing concerns about foreign espionage by high-profile figures on behalf of China.
Last year multiple Canadian bureaucrats were stripped of their security clearances after allegedly spying on behalf of foreign powers.
Government records show that at least three government workers had their clearances revoked.
The individuals were employed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
