Conservative and Bloc MPs are urging an urgent gathering of the House of Commons public safety committee to investigate espionage accusations against a former Canadian intern apprehended by Belgian authorities on suspicion of espionage.
Expressing deep concern, Conservative MP Frank Caputo emphasized the need to scrutinize Canada’s national security screening procedures. The intern in question, Biwei Zhang, previously interned at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. While Belgian officials did not disclose details, a CBC News investigation identified Zhang as a systems engineer with an economics background.
Reports from European security sources indicated that Zhang’s behavior raised suspicions, including excessive curiosity about colleagues, unauthorized access to restricted areas, and allegedly viewing files beyond her job scope in SHAPE’s IT Department. Currently detained in Belgium, Zhang’s allegations have not been substantiated in court.
In response, Caputo announced the committee’s intention to examine how Zhang obtained the internship at NATO, the extent of security screening conducted, any alerts raised by Canadian or allied entities, and the adequacy of monitoring processes. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree pledged to address concerns by investigating Zhang’s previous affiliations with Canadian agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The situation has spotlighted Canada’s security protocols, prompting a commitment from Anandasangaree to ensure comprehensive investigations into Zhang’s background. Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed that Canadian security officials were actively involved from the outset of the espionage allegations.