Norwegian police have arrested a Chinese citizen on suspicion of espionage linked to sensitive satellite data collection in northern Norway.
According to Norway’s Police Security Service (PST), the woman allegedly attempted to establish a receiver capable of downloading data from satellites in polar orbit. Authorities said the information could potentially harm Norwegian national interests if shared with a foreign state.
Police also searched two locations connected to the case, including an island in northern Norway that hosts Andoya Spaceport, part of Europe’s growing space industry efforts.
The investigation is focused on a Norwegian-registered company that authorities suspect may have operated as a front for a Chinese state actor. The satellite receiver has since been seized and the alleged operation stopped.
Police prosecutor Thomas Blom said the case involves suspected complicity in attempted serious espionage against state secrets.
Andoya Space said it had no connection to the individual involved and had not observed any suspicious activity related to its operations.
