Former EU Ambassador to South Korea from Germany Investigated on Charges of Being a 'Chinese Spy'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Germany is investigating former diplomats and others on suspicion of being 'Chinese spies,' and foreign media reported that one of the suspects served as the European Union (EU) ambassador to South Korea.

Hong Kong media reported on the 17th, citing multiple European sources, that Gerhard Sabathil, who served as the EU ambassador to South Korea from 2015 to 2016, is suspected of having ties with the Chinese intelligence agency, the Ministry of State Security.

U.S. media also reported, citing a senior EU official, that Sabathil was summoned after his clearance to handle classified information was revoked one year after his appointment in South Korea.

Earlier, on the 15th (local time), German police raided the homes and offices of suspects in Berlin, Baden-W?rttemberg, and Bavaria.

German media, citing sources, reported that German investigators obtained related intelligence last year and launched an investigation. Sabathil reportedly provided China with economic-related information and met with senior officials of the Ministry of State Security during his trips to China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.