Taiwanese Retired Military Personnel Charged with Espionage for China
Taiwanese Retired Military Personnel Charged with Espionage for China
Seven retired military personnel from Taiwan have been accused of espionage for allegedly selling state secrets to China. This includes photographs of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and several military bases. The case, initially linked to a 2022 investigation in Miaoli County, has expanded to reveal a political infiltration operation connected to a minor political group, the Rehabilitation Alliance.
Investigation Details
The Taichung branch of the High Prosecutors' Office reported that the investigation began with allegations against Huang Kuei-kun, a county councillor candidate, for accepting Chinese funds, violating Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act. The probe led to a network led by Chu Hung-i, a 62-year-old retired military officer, who allegedly received funds from China to recruit other former military personnel to establish pro-China organizations in Taiwan.
Political and Espionage Activities
Chu, involved in business dealings in China since 2019, was found to have cultivated the Rehabilitation Alliance, founded in 2023, to promote Chinese interests in Taiwan. Despite running three candidates for Taiwan's Legislative Yuan elections, none succeeded. Prosecutors revealed that Chu received significant financial support for these campaigns, including NTUSD 2 million via WeChat and NTUSD 670,000 through secretive channels.
In addition to political activities, the group is accused of gathering sensitive military intelligence, including photos of AIT and four military installations, which were shared with Chinese contacts through WeChat. The suspects claimed the funds were for authenticating Chinese antiques and that they were unaware of the reasons for the military site photos.
Legal Proceedings
Chu and six others have been detained since August 2023 and face serious charges under Taiwan's National Security Act and Anti-Infiltration Act. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison and fines ranging from NTUSD 50 million to NTUSD 100 million. The case will proceed to trial at the High Court's Taichung branch.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan
Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like a separate country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Espionage
Espionage is the act of spying or secretly gathering information, especially about a government or military, to share with another country.
American Institute in Taiwan
The American Institute in Taiwan is like an embassy for the United States in Taiwan. It helps manage relations between the US and Taiwan, even though they don't have official diplomatic ties.
Miaoli County
Miaoli County is a region in Taiwan. It's like a district or area where people live and work.
Rehabilitation Alliance
The Rehabilitation Alliance is a group mentioned in the context of the investigation. It seems to be involved in recruiting people for gathering secret information.
National Security and Anti-Infiltration Acts
These are laws in Taiwan designed to protect the country from threats like spying and foreign influence. They make it illegal to share sensitive information with other countries.
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