Taiwan Army Soldiers Indicted for Leaking Military Secrets to Foreign Power

Taiwanese prosecutors have indicted two active-duty soldiers from the Army on charges of leaking military secrets to a foreign entity. The soldiers, identified by their surnames Su and Cai, allegedly provided classified documents from their units to a fugitive named Huang, who was acting on behalf of a foreign power.

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The soldiers, entrusted with safeguarding the nation, prioritized personal gain over their duty.

The indictment details that Su and Cai transmitted sensitive information, including details on troop training, operations, personnel data, and other classified documents, by taking photos with their mobile phones and sending them via messaging apps. They received payments totaling thousands to hundreds of thousands of New Taiwan Dollars, primarily in cryptocurrency, for their actions. A third individual, Wang, who was not in the military, was also involved in obtaining classified information through military acquaintances and was subsequently indicted.

Prosecutors emphasized the severe implications for national security, stating that the soldiers, entrusted with safeguarding the nation, prioritized personal gain over their duty. They have requested the court to impose heavy sentences to serve as a deterrent. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving multiple military and intelligence agencies, leading to the arrest of the three individuals in late March and early April. The mastermind, Huang, remains at large and has been issued an arrest warrant.

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National security cannot be compromised. The infiltration and recruitment methods of foreign powers against our country are constantly evolving, often exploiting the financial weaknesses and debt problems of active or retired military personnel.

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office reiterated its commitment to national security, noting the evolving tactics of foreign powers in infiltrating and recruiting individuals within Taiwan's military, often exploiting financial vulnerabilities or debt issues. The office pledged to maintain close communication and joint defense mechanisms with military and national security units to swiftly investigate and prosecute any acts that threaten national security or involve the espionage of military secrets.

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We will continue to establish close reporting and joint defense mechanisms with the Ministry of National Defense, national security agencies, and various units within our jurisdiction to strictly investigate and swiftly handle any illegal acts that endanger national security or involve the espionage of military secrets, with absolutely no leniency.