China's Ministry of State Security cracks down on espionage cases

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) has recently exposed several cases involving individuals who sought to collaborate with foreign intelligence agencies, posing threats to national security. These investigations successfully eliminated potential risks of information leaks and delivered a strong deterrent to unlawful activities.

Case 1: Former Employee of a Classified Unit

Zhong, a former employee of a classified unit, left his position to start a business. Facing financial difficulties after being blacklisted for unpaid debts, Zhong contacted a foreign intelligence agency online, falsely claiming to be a senior official of his former unit and offering to share sensitive information. Zhong provided details about a classified project he previously worked on. Before his in-person meeting with the agency, the MSS arrested Zhong, preventing further security risks.

Case 2: Employee Who Sold Classified Data

Qi, a former employee of a classified unit, secretly retained sensitive materials during his tenure by copying and photographing them. After incurring heavy financial losses due to poor investments, Qi attempted to sell the information to a foreign intelligence agency. He transmitted classified documents after photographing them at home. The MSS intercepted his actions and confirmed the materials included state secrets. Qi was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months in prison and deprived of political rights for 1 year.

Case 3: Unemployed Individual Attempting Espionage

Song, an unemployed individual struggling financially, tried to enhance his "value" to a foreign intelligence agency by downloading publicly available research information, organizing it, and claiming it was classified. Song contacted the agency online, posing as a researcher with access to critical technologies. Although the information Song prepared did not involve state secrets, his seeking collaboration violated China's Anti-Espionage Law. The MSS intervened and imposed administrative penalties on Song.

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