Ex-Journalist Linked to Spy Ring Targeting Elite Taiwan Military Units
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A former journalist, known as
A former journalist, identified by the nickname "Made," has been accused of acting as a go-between for foreign adversaries and Taiwanese military personnel. The journalist allegedly facilitated money transfers to soldiers involved in selling state secrets.
The 99th Brigade of the Army is our country's most capable strike force.
Sources within the military indicate that classified documents compromised in the case involve the 333rd, 66th, and 99th brigades. These units are described as Taiwan's most capable strike forces, suggesting the adversaries specifically targeted units with significant combat potential.
The investigation revealed that many of the compromised military personnel were initially approached by foreign entities due to financial difficulties, often stemming from gambling debts. Fearing exposure of their financial problems and the potential loss of their military careers, these individuals allegedly resorted to selling national defense secrets.
The compromised military personnel were mostly absorbed by foreign forces after seeking help online for financial problems, and these financial problems were mostly caused by gambling debts.
The compromised units, including the 66th and 99th brigades (Naval units) and the 333rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade (formerly known as the "Pinnacle of Light" unit), are recognized for their combat readiness. The 333rd Brigade, despite recent reorganizations, maintains strong combat capabilities due to its history of joint exercises with the U.S. military.
The 66th and 99th Brigades are our Navy's elite units, and the 333rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Army was once known as the 'Pinnacle of Light' unit.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.