Belgian authorities have arrested a Canadian citizen of Chinese descent on suspicion of espionage while interning at the NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons. The detention took place on Thursday, according to a statement released by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office.

The individual is suspected of spying "on behalf of a third country" and being involved in a criminal organization, the statement said. The case came to light after SHAPE’s security services identified the suspect as a potential threat and reported their concerns to Belgium’s General Intelligence and Security Service. The prosecutor’s office did not elaborate on the specific nature or targets of the alleged espionage.

Following the report, Belgian federal judicial police in Charleroi undertook searches at both the suspect’s residence and workplace on Thursday. A magistrate subsequently issued an arrest warrant on Friday, leading to the intern’s formal detention to further the investigation.

The alleged espionage case highlights ongoing concerns regarding security and counterintelligence efforts within NATO institutions. Norway, where SHAPE is located, serves as a key operational center for the alliance, making such breaches a focus of multinational security cooperation. Belgian authorities are continuing their investigation, but have yet to reveal additional details about the suspect’s connection to foreign intelligence services or the scope of the alleged activities.

No official comment has been made by the Canadian government or NATO regarding the incident. The developing inquiry is being handled by the Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office in coordination with security services.