Czech police charge first suspect under new foreign spying law

Prague police have charged a person suspected of working for Chinese intelligence under a law on unauthorized activities for a foreign power, marking the first case since the provision came into effect last year. Czech authorities said the suspect was detained on Jan. 17 and formally charged in the following days.

The case involves the Security Information Service (BIS) and the Czech police, with the High Public Prosecutor’s Office in Prague cooperating on the investigation. Officials have not disclosed the suspect’s gender or further personal details. According to Reuters, the detained person is a Chinese citizen.

While Czechia has previously handled cases involving espionage or intelligence operations, this is the first formal prosecution under the new legal framework.

Police and BIS officials confirmed the suspect is suspected of affiliation with the Chinese intelligence service, but did not elaborate on the nature of the activities or the targeted information.

Unauthorized activities for a foreign power carry a maximum sentence of five years, or up to fifteen years during a state of war. The law was introduced in February 2025 amid concerns over espionage, hybrid threats, and the disclosure of sensitive information, according to former Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (Mayors and Independents, STAN).

Critics have warned that the provision’s wording is vague and could be misused, and the current government coalition has signalled its intention to repeal the law, according to ANO deputy chairman Radek Vondráček.

The BIS, responsible for civilian counter-intelligence, said the detention followed “careful verification” and aimed to prevent potential harm to the country’s security infrastructure. Officials said that all procedural safeguards are being observed, and the case will continue under the supervision of the Prague High Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Czech police said they will provide updates as the case progresses, and the High Public Prosecutor’s Office will decide on the next procedural steps, including potential indictment.