There are two unofficial Chinese "police stations" in Germany, according to the government in Berlin.

"Two so-called 'overseas police stations' exist in Germany to the knowledge of the German government," according to a government response to a written question from a member of parliament, DPA reported.

Earlier this week, Spanish human rights group Safeguard Defenders issued a report saying there are more than 100 of these unofficial Chinese "police stations" globally. They offer diplomatic services but, according to Safeguard Defenders and several European media outlets, they also attempt to silence Chinese dissidents in Europe.

However, the Safeguard Defenders report mentioned only one German "station" in Frankfurt.

According to the government response, it believes that the two stations are "organized on a person-by-person basis" and are "mobile." No permanent offices had been set up, it said.

The facilities are believed to be "run by private individuals from the Chinese diaspora." Five "area officers" - one of them in Berlin - offer legal advice to Chinese and Germans with Chinese roots, as well as assistance with paperwork.

Berlin is "in communication with the Chinese embassy on this matter," it said. According to DPA, the foreign office has written a note of protest.

The interior ministry said that "the federal security authorities have been keeping an eye on the existence of such facilities for some time ... and are vigorously pursuing all leads."