Conservative and Bloc MPs are urging an urgent meeting of the House of Commons public safety committee to investigate allegations of espionage against a former Canadian intern detained by Belgian authorities for suspected espionage.
Expressing deep concern, Conservative MP Frank Caputo emphasized the need for a thorough examination of Canada’s national security screening procedures. Caputo stressed the importance of assessing potential gaps in the security screening system that could have jeopardized sensitive information or the security of Canada and its allies.
The intern in question, Biwei Zhang, had been working at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. While Belgian officials did not disclose her identity, a CBC News investigation identified Zhang as a systems engineer with an economic background.
Zhang’s online profile indicates previous employment at the Canadian Space Agency and Statistics Canada. Sources in European media, including Reuters, reported that the intern’s behavior had raised suspicions within NATO’s internal security services. Allegedly, Zhang displayed undue curiosity about colleagues, ventured into restricted areas, and accessed files beyond her professional scope in SHAPE’s IT Department.
Zhang is currently under detention in Belgium, with the allegations against her yet to be proven in court.
In response to the incident, Caputo announced that the committee would delve into how Zhang secured the internship at NATO, the extent of security screening conducted prior to her appointment, any red flags raised by Canadian or allied authorities, and the adequacy of monitoring protocols.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has pledged a thorough investigation into Canada’s security screening processes to address the concerns raised by the case. Anandasangaree emphasized the need to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Prime Minister Mark Carney hinted that Canadian security officials were not caught off guard by Zhang’s arrest, indicating ongoing government involvement in the matter.