Muhammad Aman Ullah
July 30, 2026
THE TRUE POST – World News: A Canadian woman arrested in Belgium on suspicion of espionage at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) has been identified as Biwei Zhang, who is also professionally known as Claire Zhang, according to an investigation by CBC News.
Belgian prosecutors allege that Zhang attempted to gain access to sensitive information while serving as an intern at NATO’s military headquarters. She has been charged with espionage and participation in a criminal organization, while authorities continue to investigate the case.
Arrest Follows Searches of Home and Office
Belgium’s federal prosecutor confirmed that investigators searched Zhang’s residence and workplace before placing her under arrest the following day.
Under Belgian law, the identities of suspects are generally withheld before trial. However, CBC News reported that it confirmed Zhang’s identity through public records, social media profiles, and other available documents.
Resume Includes Canadian Government and International Organizations
According to her LinkedIn profile, Zhang previously worked with several prominent organizations, including:
- Canadian Space Agency
- Statistics Canada
- National Research Council Canada
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- European Space Agency (ESA)
Her profile states that she worked as an economist at Statistics Canada between 2018 and 2022 before joining the Canadian Space Agency as a systems engineer. She also lists academic qualifications in computer science and systems engineering.
Social Media Posts Linked Her to NATO Internship
Investigators also reviewed Facebook posts in which Zhang sought accommodation in Mons, Belgium, during July 2025.
In one post, she stated that she was beginning an internship at NATO’s SHAPE headquarters and was searching for a room nearby. Earlier posts from 2023 showed her looking for housing while undertaking an internship at the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
Previous Legal Dispute in Canada
The case has also drawn attention because Zhang was previously involved in legal proceedings related to an employment application with the Canada Border Services Agency.
According to court records, she submitted applications using two different names and email addresses. Canada’s Public Service Commission ruled the applications fraudulent, and a Federal Court dismissed her appeal in August 2024.
Canadian Government Launches Review
Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, said the government will examine whether Zhang was employed by Canadian government agencies and how she obtained any required security clearances.
Officials are also reviewing whether any weaknesses exist in Canada’s security screening process for employees with access to sensitive institutions.
Experts Warn of Intelligence Risks
Former Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) intelligence officer Dan Stanton said internship programs at major international organizations can sometimes become targets for intelligence-gathering efforts.
He noted that espionage is not always limited to stealing classified documents. Valuable intelligence can also be collected through conversations, networking, observations, and access to institutional environments.
According to Stanton, if the allegations prove accurate and the activity was detected early, it would also demonstrate that counter-intelligence systems are functioning effectively.
Investigation Continues
A Belgian court has ordered Zhang to remain in custody for at least one month while investigators continue examining the allegations.
Meanwhile, Canadian authorities are reviewing security clearance procedures to determine whether any vulnerabilities allowed access to sensitive government or international institutions.
