Canadian suspect in Belgian espionage case to remain in pretrial detention
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
OTTAWA – The Belgian federal prosecutor’s office says a Canadian facing espionage charges will remain in custody.
After a hearing today of the woman’s appeal of a July decision to keep her in detention, Belgium’s Chamber of Indictments decided to extend her pretrial custody by one month.
The prosecutor’s office announced on July 25 that “a Canadian national of Chinese origin” had been arrested on accusations of espionage and participation in a criminal organization.
The suspect, who has not been named by the prosecutor’s office, worked as an intern at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium.
The office said she came to the attention of the organization’s security services, who reported the matter to Belgium’s military intelligence agency.
A federal source not authorized to speak publicly about the issue said officials in Canada were proceeding on the basis the suspect is Biwei Zhang — also known as Claire Zhang — who was previously employed by Canadian government agencies.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 31, 2026.