EUROPE-CHINA Germany also investigates illegal police centers in Beijing

The NGO Safeguard has identified them in 30 European countries; there are four in Italy alone. They are found inside embassies and consulates. The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland are already investigating. The Chinese defend themselves: they serve to solve bureaucratic problems. Humanitarian groups: used to monitor and silence dissidents living abroad.

Berlin () – The investigation into the existence in Europe of dozens of “extraterritorial” police centers that China allegedly has in its diplomatic headquarters is expanding. In the Netherlands, where the investigation began a few days ago, Spain and Ireland, Germany has now joined.

Germany’s attention is focused on the possible presence, without the corresponding authorization, of Chinese police personnel in Frankfurt. It all started as a result of an investigation published last month by the Spanish NGO Safeguard, according to which Beijing has established illegal security centers in 30 European countries (four in Italy: Rome, Milan, Florence and Prato).

According to the Vienna Convention, also signed by China, diplomatic services must be offered by embassies and consulates recognized by the host governments.

China’s Foreign Ministry went on the defensive. He affirmed that the incriminated police centers comply with international law and serve both to speed up the procedures for renewing driving licenses for its citizens residing abroad, and to combat transnational crime.

Several humanitarian groups maintain that the facilities not registered by China are actually used to monitor and silence Chinese political opponents and dissidents. Safeguard claims that the Beijing agents involved in these operations have “encouraged” 230,000 compatriots to return to their country, often to stand trial.