Conservative and Bloc MPs are urging an urgent convening of the House of Commons public safety committee to investigate allegations of espionage against a former Canadian intern who was apprehended by Belgian authorities on suspicion of espionage. Frank Caputo, a Conservative MP, expressed serious concerns about the allegations, questioning the adequacy of Canada’s national security screening procedures. The intern, Biwei Zhang, had served as an intern at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.

Although Belgian officials did not disclose her identity, a CBC News investigation identified the individual as Zhang, a systems engineer with an economics background. Zhang’s online resume indicates past employment with the Canadian Space Agency and Statistics Canada. European security sources revealed that she allegedly displayed suspicious behavior that drew the attention of NATO’s internal security services. Reports suggest Zhang showed excessive curiosity about her colleagues, accessed unauthorized areas, and files beyond her professional scope in SHAPE’s IT Department.

Zhang is currently in custody in Belgium, and the allegations against her have yet to be substantiated in court. The public safety committee, as per Caputo’s statement, will delve into how Zhang secured the internship at NATO, the extent of security screening conducted before granting her access, any red flags raised by Canadian or allied authorities, and the adequacy of monitoring protocols.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has vowed to investigate Canada’s security screening processes to address the concerns raised by this case. Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Canadian security officials were not caught off guard by the intern’s arrest, reassuring the public regarding the ongoing investigation into the matter.