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Canadian intern at NATO arrested on espionage charges; Ottawa opens probe

Published July 28, 2026 at 8:32 AM UTC

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A Canadian intern working at NATO headquarters in Brussels has been arrested by Belgian police on espionage charges, triggering a multi-agency investigation led by Ottawa. Defence Minister Anita Anand described the allegations as "quite serious" and vowed a thorough probe, coordinating with Belgian authorities and NATO security officials. The intern's identity and the specifics of the alleged spying have not been disclosed, though officials say the case involves unauthorized handling of classified information. The arrest has raised questions about security clearance procedures for temporary staff at international organizations. NATO and Canadian officials are working to assess potential damage and prevent any further breaches. The investigation could lead to diplomatic discussions between Canada and Belgium, as well as a review of vetting practices for interns and contractors. The accused remains in custody pending legal proceedings, and the government has stressed the importance of due process.