Germany investigates suspected espionage after breach at naval base

Investigators in Germany's northern state of Schleswig-Holstein are looking into a potential case of espionage after a Chinese national breached a naval base earlier this month.

The incident occurred on December 9, a spokeswoman for the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) said in Kiel on Wednesday.

The man is said to have gained access to the naval base in Kiel and took photographs.

The Flensburg public prosecutor's office, which is responsible for state security matters, is the lead agency in the case. It could not immediately be reached for comment.

German broadcaster WDR said the man is being investigated on suspicion of photographing military installations in a manner that endangers security.

The man, who was not named, is said to be in pre-trial detention. He was picked up by security personnel, who handed him over to the police.

The man's mobile phone and other items are currently being analysed. The Federal Office for Military Counterintelligence is also involved in the investigation.

Investigators are also looking into the question of whether the suspect may be working for a foreign secret service and took the photos for espionage purposes.