Brussels police officer who had access to diplomats charged with spying

A police officer in Belgium has been charged with spying and may have been approached due to his access to diplomats, local media reported.

The officer was arrested last Thursday and worked for the City of Brussels local police unit, Belgian media and website Politico Europe reported.

The unit monitors the areas around the European Union’s institutions in Brussels.

The officer is “is believed to have been co-opted for his access to the international diplomatic world in Brussels,” Politico Europe wrote.

A spokesperson for the police confirmed an internal investigation is underway but would not provide additional information.

A source previously told Politico Europe the charges are linked to China. They said investigations are underway to see if the officer also handed over information to Russia.

Earlier this year, it was reported that between 2021 and 2024 Chinese hackers had breached Belgium’s state security systems./TPV/