TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan prosecutors have charged a retired Air Force officer and two others over an alleged espionage operation involving military information and the annual Han Kuang military exercises, adding another case to a series of investigations into suspected Chinese intelligence activity.
The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office in Kaohsiung announced the indictments Thursday, according to reports cited by Taiwan News. The three defendants face charges under Taiwan’s National Security Act and other laws.
Prosecutors allege that retired Staff Sergeant Chen received approximately NT$700,000 (US$21,800) from China in connection with the activities.
Prosecutors Allege Military Information Was Collected
According to the prosecution’s account, Chen began recruiting people into the alleged network in 2020.
One of those recruited was a relative identified as Lu, who was still serving in Taiwan’s Army at the rank of sergeant major.
Prosecutors allege that Chen instructed Lu to provide information concerning armored vehicles, defense plans and the Han Kuang military exercises.
The annual Han Kuang exercises are Taiwan’s major military drills designed to test the armed forces’ readiness and response capabilities.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the defendants are entitled to due process.
Another Retired Officer Was Allegedly Recruited
Investigators also allege that Chen expanded his contacts among former military personnel.
In 2024, Chen reportedly took another retired officer, identified as Mao, to Zhuhai in China to meet people described by investigators as his handlers.
Prosecutors allege that Chen encouraged Mao to approach serving military officers and help establish a broader intelligence network.
If proven, such activity could raise significant national-security concerns because information concerning military readiness, defense planning and exercises could potentially expose sensitive details about Taiwan’s armed forces.
Months-Long Investigation Tracked the Money
The investigation involved military police units in Kaohsiung and Tainan, police in Pingtung, and military investigators.
According to Taiwan News, investigators spent several months examining the alleged flow of money and gathering evidence before prosecutors concluded that there was sufficient evidence to bring charges against the three men.
The investigation ultimately resulted in three indictments being announced Thursday.
Part of a Growing Series of Taiwan Spy Cases
The case comes amid a series of espionage investigations involving current and former Taiwanese military personnel.
Taiwan News has reported several other cases this year involving allegations that military or former military personnel passed information to China or attempted to establish intelligence networks.
Recent cases have included allegations involving a retired Taiwan major and military personnel connected to other alleged intelligence activities.
The repeated investigations have placed greater attention on the security risks associated with recruiting former military personnel who may retain contacts within Taiwan’s armed forces.
Why the Han Kuang Information Matters
The Han Kuang exercises are closely watched because they provide Taiwan’s military with an opportunity to test operational readiness and responses to potential security scenarios.
Information concerning the exercises can include sensitive details about military planning and deployments. Prosecutors therefore regard alleged attempts to obtain such information for a foreign intelligence network as a serious national-security matter.
In this case, prosecutors allege that the network sought information related to armored vehicles and defense planning in addition to details concerning Han Kuang exercises.
The indictments now move the case into the judicial process, where the allegations and evidence will be examined in court.
For Taiwan, the latest case adds another chapter to an expanding series of espionage investigations — and puts renewed attention on how military information can be targeted through personal and professional networks long after personnel leave active service.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
