Oslo Police Arrest Two Chinese National Drone Pilots in Central Oslo; Links to Previous Arrests Being Investigated
For the second time this week, Oslo police have arrested individuals from China for allegedly flying drones over the city center, in breach of a total drone ban zone (R102).
On Tuesday, two Chinese nationals were apprehended and their drones seized. No motive has yet been established, but the drones were being operated in Oslo’s central hub, a red zone where they are strictly forbidden.
Monday saw a similar scenario, with another two Chinese individuals arrested for piloting drones. The drones, which were then confiscated, were being used in the R102 restricted area in Oslo’s center. Operations leader Rune Hekkelstrand noted that the situation was under investigation.
Oslo police noted that the recent arrestees only spoke Mandarin, and could not communicate otherwise. Authorities are currently pursuing whether there might be a link between Monday’s and Tuesday’s incidents.
"We’re highly aware of these events and examining if they might be connected," said press contact Alexander Østerhaug. "An investigation is pending, but thus far, we have no tangible evidence of misconduct."
Initial hearings and forfeiture procedures are underway regarding the two drones seized on Tuesday. Authorities are also processing the arrestees; their fate — including potential further detention — awaits a determination.
