Berlin, July 7 (RHC)-- Germany has arrested an intelligence official on allegations of working as a double agent for the United States. The suspect has reportedly admitted to passing on documents to a U.S. contact.

Speaking today in China, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the charges are serious if true. The German chancellor said: "On the question of a German man working as a double agent for U.S. intelligence department, we have already opened an investigation. If the allegations are true, it would be for me a clear contradiction to what I consider to be a trustful cooperation between agencies and partners."

Reports based on leaks by Edward Snowden have revealed vast National Security Agency spying in Germany, including on Merkel’s cellphone. Germany cancelled a contract with the U.S. firm Verizon last month, citing its role in NSA surveillance.