Police claim to have uncovered yet another Chinese intelligence operation involving members of the Taiwanese military.
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A retired Air Force Colonel and three active duty officers were detained on Wednesday, accused of being part of a suspected spy ring paid by China.
Prosecutors say the colonel, identified only by his last name Liu (劉), was recruited by the Chinese government while in China for business. He then set up a shell company in Taiwan. This company funneled Chinese money to active service Taiwanese officers who were paid to share secret information.
Prosecutors say at least six officers were paid by Liu over eight years, receiving payments between NT$30,000 (US$1,000) and NT$100,000 (US$3,200).
The colonel and three others were detained in Kaohsiung on Wednesday. The three were later released on bail.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Sun Li-fang (孫立方) says that the military will continue to strengthen the education of its officers to prevent Chinese intelligence intrusions. He adds that the investigation is ongoing, and he cannot provide many details.
This is only the latest in a series of arrests over suspected Chinese intelligence activities over the past few years.
Chris Gorin
RTI News