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6d ago

Taiwan Indicts Four Suspected Spies Including Ex-Presidential Aide

Prosecutors say the suspects leaked classified data to Beijing in exchange for rewards of millions of Taiwan dollars

Security guards stand guard in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei, Taiwan May 23, 2024. REUTERS/Annabelle Chih/File photo
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Overview

  • Taipei District Prosecutors Office charged four former officials with espionage, including a former adviser to President Lai Ching-te and an ex-assistant to then-foreign minister Joseph Wu.
  • Prosecutors allege the suspects leaked classified national security information to China in exchange for rewards of NT$6 million and NT$2.2 million and are seeking prison terms of up to 18½ years.
  • The indictment states that two former Democratic Progressive Party members recruited the suspects to collect and deliver sensitive data to Beijing.
  • Taipei accelerated counter-espionage efforts starting in early 2025, tightening security protocols and pursuing high-profile charges amid a surge in spy cases.
  • China’s military activity near Taiwan has intensified, with fighter jets crossing the Taiwan Strait median line more than twice as often year-on-year and at least seven drills since May 2024.