Chinese spies operated a far-right Belgian politician, Frank Creyelman, for over three years, aiming to influence European discussions on issues like Hong Kong and Uyghur persecution. Daniel Woo, an officer in China’s Ministry of State Security, directed Creyelman to sow discord and manipulate opinions. The covert operation sought to divide the US-European relationship, as revealed in text messages obtained in a joint investigation by the Financial Times, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde.
Woo, operating from the Zhejiang branch of the MSS, instructed Creyelman to persuade European parliament members to publicly claim the US and UK undermined European energy security. The messages illustrated China’s extensive influence operations, alarming Western security agencies. Woo also tasked Creyelman with attacking a researcher exposing Uyghur abuses and disrupting a Taiwan conference.
The MSS’s autonomy to regional branches was evident, with Woo providing direction while collaborating with agents to achieve objectives. Chinese intelligence focused on recruiting sympathetic lower-ranking politicians in Europe, exploiting their access to senior officials. Creyelman’s recruitment details remain unclear, but his association with Woo included a 2019 meeting in Hainan Island.
Creyelman, a former Belgian senator and far-right figure, faced expulsion from Vlaams Belang following the revelation. The MSS’s significant presence in Brussels highlighted Belgium’s vulnerability, as the country became a hub for intelligence operations. The news, disclosed by Western intelligence, raised concerns about internal sabotage and the influence of extreme right-wing elements on European politics.
The recent case of Chinese spies recruiting a European politician highlights how internal sabotage poses a significant risk to Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM). Infiltration can compromise sensitive information, emphasizing the need for strict vetting and continuous monitoring within TSCM frameworks to prevent espionage and safeguard secure communications.