By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | July 26,2026
Canada’s Public Safety Minister, Gary Anandasangaree, has pledged a thorough investigation after a Canadian woman who served as an intern at NATO’s military headquarters in Belgium was arrested on allegations of espionage.
Speaking at an event in New Westminster, British Columbia, Anandasangaree described the accusations as “quite serious” and said Canadian authorities would work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.
“We need to get to the bottom of this, and we need to ensure that these types of incidents do not occur in the future,” the minister said.
Arrest at NATO headquarters
The woman, identified by Belgian prosecutors only as a Canadian national of Chinese origin, was arrested after working as an intern at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium — NATO’s military command centre responsible for planning and coordinating alliance operations.
Belgian authorities allege she is suspected of spying on behalf of a third country and of participating in a criminal organization. Her identity has not been released, and prosecutors have not disclosed which country she is alleged to have worked for.
Security services raised the alarm
According to Belgian prosecutors, NATO’s internal security officials first detected suspicious activity and alerted Belgium’s military intelligence service. Investigators subsequently searched the suspect’s home and workplace before placing her under arrest.
Despite the arrest, NATO says there is no evidence that its operations, command structure or military readiness were compromised.
SHAPE officials stressed that the alliance continues to carry out its responsibilities without interruption.
Canada begins its own review
Anandasangaree said Canadian officials will examine whether the suspect had any previous links with Canadian government agencies or departments.
While declining to speculate on the ongoing investigation, the minister emphasized that Canada would cooperate fully as authorities seek to establish the facts.
Growing concerns over espionage
The arrest comes amid heightened concerns across Europe over alleged foreign espionage targeting sensitive government, military and technology institutions.
Belgium hosts both NATO’s political headquarters in Brussels and SHAPE in Mons, making the country one of the alliance’s most strategically important locations. Security experts say the case highlights the increasing challenges NATO members face in protecting sensitive information from foreign intelligence operations.
As investigations continue in Belgium, Canadian authorities say they will closely monitor developments while ensuring appropriate measures are taken to safeguard Canada’s national security interests.
