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A former engineer from a Chinese research institute has received a death sentence for selling classified information to foreign intelligence agencies, as reported by Chinese authorities. Following his resignation from the institute, the researcher, referred to by the surname Liu, devised a “meticulously planned” strategy to sell sensitive information to foreign entities, according to an article released on Wednesday by China’s Ministry of State Security.
The ministry did not disclose the name of Liu’s previous employer or the foreign organizations that allegedly purchased his information. This announcement coincides with growing concerns from China regarding its citizens being recruited by foreign powers to act as spies. The ministry stated in the article, “Individuals seeking shortcuts to success will inevitably face repercussions.”
Feeling wronged by his treatment at the institute, Liu retained a significant amount of classified documents before his departure, intending to use them for revenge and extortion, as noted by the ministry. He subsequently joined an investment firm, but after experiencing financial losses that led him into debt, he reached out to a foreign intelligence agency, which acquired the information from him at a “very low price,” according to the ministry.
This agency later severed ties with Liu, prompting him to attempt to sell the information internationally. “Within six months, he covertly traveled to multiple countries and significantly compromised our nation’s secrets,” the article stated. Liu, who admitted his actions after being apprehended, has been permanently stripped of his political rights.
Beijing has grown increasingly vigilant regarding espionage activities and has cautioned that its citizens are being targeted by foreign intelligence agencies seeking to obtain Chinese state secrets. In November, a former employee of a Chinese state agency received a death sentence after his work USB drive was reportedly seized by foreign spies, leading to him being labeled as their “puppet,” according to Chinese officials.
Additionally, in February of the previous year, Australian writer Yang Hengjun, known for his commentary on human rights issues in China, was given a suspended death sentence on espionage charges.
