The Taiwan Military Police 211 Brigade, responsible for the security of the Presidential Office, has seen three officers and one soldier from the Ministry of National Defense being charged with allegedly selling military information to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan has emphasized that infiltration attempts by the CCP have never ceased. The Presidential Office stated that they are extremely concerned and are taking a very serious view of the actions of the four officers involved in treason.
The Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office announced today that the investigation into four officers named Lai, Li, Lin, and Chen has revealed their involvement in corruption and breaches of the National Security Law. The case was brought to light when military personnel voluntarily reported the misconduct. Following this, the case was referred to the Military Police Command in Keelung and the Investigation Bureau’s National Security Maintenance Work Station for further investigation. After analyzing the individuals and tracking the flow of money, the case was submitted for prosecution based on suspicions of violating national security laws.
According to the prosecutors, Lai and Chen began collaborating with a wanted individual named Huang, believed to be a Chinese Communist intelligence agent, between the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. Following instructions, starting from April 2022, Chen used his phone to capture confidential documents from their unit and sent them to Lai, who then forwarded the information to Huang or Chinese intelligence agents.
Additionally, between March and August 2023, Chen used an alias to inquire among his colleagues if they were willing to provide military information for financial gain. He then passed on the contact details of an active-duty service member to Lai, who in turn relayed this information to Huang or Chinese intelligence agents. Luckily, the service member did not agree to the espionage attempts. However, Lai and Chen continued their activities based on the sensitivity of the information provided and the number of contacts with military personnel, receiving varying amounts of compensation.
Prosecutors revealed that Lai, Li, and Lin received different amounts of money based on the sensitivity of the military information provided. Lai received NT$460,000, Chen received NT$450,000, Li received NT$664,100, and Lin received NT$265,900.
The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan stated that in July 2023, the Psychological Warfare Bureau received a voluntary report from military personnel regarding individuals like Chen, a retired sergeant, who were being lured to recruit present and former service members for an organization. This was promptly reported to the National Security Bureau, the Investigation Bureau, and the Military Police Command to conduct a thorough investigation. In August, the case was referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office for further action, leading to the joint efforts to dismantle the illegal organization.
The Ministry of National Defense explained that the evidence presented by the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office resulted in charges under the National Security Law and the Criminal Code. The case is now in the judicial process, and due to the confidentiality of the investigation, the Ministry will refrain from further comments on the matter.
The Ministry of National Defense underscored the ongoing threat of CCP infiltration and emphasized the need to enhance national security. Actions like those of Chen and others betraying their country will be met with disdain from the people. To actively counter espionage activities, the armed forces will continue to prioritize counterintelligence education, expand public awareness of security measures, and collaborate closely with national security teams to bolster the country’s resilience against threats.
A spokesperson for the Office of the President of Taiwan, Li Wen, expressed high-level concerns and firm condemnation towards any acts of treason that harm the nation and its people. All relevant agencies will fully cooperate with the ongoing judicial investigation.
Li Wen highlighted the CCP’s long-standing efforts to infiltrate, coerce, and suppress Taiwan through various means, aiming to undermine the hard-won democracy and freedom of the Taiwanese people. Unity is crucial, regardless of military or civilian status, to safeguard the homeland. Any betrayal by military personnel for personal gain leading to betrayal of their nation is abhorrent and should face the severest condemnation and legal consequences.
Li Wen assured that the Military Police 211 Brigade, tasked with safeguarding the security of the Presidential Office, remains committed and diligent in their duties. Any individuals suspected of wrongdoing are being held accountable according to the law. Supervisory units will enhance legal training on protecting military secrets, elevating national defense awareness to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s security.