Former Engineer Sentenced to Death for Espionage
Chinese authorities have announced the death sentence of a former engineer from a Chinese research institution, convicted of selling classified information to foreign intelligence agencies.
Espionage Scheme Unfolds After Resignation
According to a statement released by China’s Ministry of State Security, the researcher, identified only by his surname Liu, devised a “carefully crafted” plan to provide sensitive intelligence to overseas entities following his departure from the institute. The ministry’s report, published on Wednesday, details the alleged espionage activities.
The Ministry of State Security did not disclose the specific identity of Liu’s former employer or the foreign organizations purportedly involved in acquiring the classified material.
Growing Concerns Over Citizen Recruitment for Espionage
This announcement occurs amidst escalating warnings from Beijing regarding the increasing attempts by foreign entities to recruit Chinese citizens for espionage purposes.
“Those seeking illicit gains through espionage will inevitably face repercussions,” the ministry asserted in Wednesday’s publication.
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Desperate Measures and Contact with Foreign Agency
Believing he had been treated unjustly at his former workplace, Liu allegedly stored a significant amount of classified data before resigning. The ministry stated that his intention was to utilize this information for revenge and extortion.
Subsequently, Liu joined an investment firm. Facing mounting debt due to unsuccessful investments, he reportedly contacted a foreign intelligence agency. This agency acquired the classified documents from him at what the ministry described as a “very low price.”
The foreign agency then severed contact with Liu, according to the ministry. Consequently, he attempted to sell the information to other foreign entities.
“In a span of six months, he secretly traveled to numerous countries, severely compromising our nation’s secrets,” the report disclosed.
Liu, who confessed to the charges after his arrest, has been permanently stripped of his political rights.
Similar Espionage Cases Highlight China’s Concerns
Beijing has become increasingly vigilant about espionage activities, repeatedly cautioning that foreign intelligence services are actively recruiting Chinese citizens to obtain state secrets.
In November of last year, another former employee of a Chinese state agency received a death sentence. Chinese authorities claimed foreign spies seized his work USB drive, turning him into their “puppet.”
Furthermore, in February of the previous year, Australian writer Yang Hengjun, recognized for his blog on human rights issues in China, was given a suspended death sentence for espionage. This sentence was upheld, and Mr. Yang remains imprisoned in China despite calls for his release from Australian leaders.
Global Concerns and Increased Scrutiny
Worldwide, governments are expressing increasing apprehension regarding Chinese influence and infiltration operations. Several nations have recently intensified efforts to arrest Chinese nationals on espionage-related charges.