Chinese Ministry of State Security

China's state security authorities have recently cracked down on a case of organized espionage committed by individuals for improper gains. Three individuals, who disguised themselves as a "deliveryman" and "anglers" to set up an "observation post" near a key military area, regularly reported dynamic information about important military targets to foreign agents. Ultimately, they were sentenced to 17 years, 13 years and 9 years in prison, respectively, for espionage and illegally obtaining and providing state secrets for foreign entities, according to a post published by the Ministry of State Security (MSS) on its WeChat account.

Surnamed Cao, Xia and Zhang, the three persons were close friends and often referred to each other as brothers. However, after long-term exposure to "gray zone industry" groups on foreign websites, they gradually became dissatisfied with the income from their regular jobs. They believed that with their cleverness, they could find a "shortcut" to make big money in the "gray industry." 

By chance, Cao connected with a foreign intelligence officer on an overseas online platform. The officer immediately hit it off with Cao and offered him a job collecting information on domestic military targets, promising high remuneration.

Although Cao was fully aware of the criminal nature of the task and knew the other party was a foreign intelligence officer, he chose to disregard national security and the law in the face of financial temptation. He proactively acted as the officer's pawn, setting up an observation post near a key military area and regularly reporting dynamic information on important military targets.

Later, Cao proactively introduced Xia and Zhang to the foreign intelligence officer, recruiting them to join the operation and leading his friends down the path of crime.

The three people were fully aware of the criminal nature of their espionage activities. To avoid detection, they lived in different locations, used foreign encrypted communication software to stay in touch and even purchased items such as delivery uniforms and fishing rods to disguise their activities. 

After being apprehended, they admitted they "were seen as 'high reward money' in the eyes of others and constantly feared being reported," and they "never slept soundly." Regrettably, despite their intense inner turmoil, they believed their disguises as a "deliveryman" and "anglers" were flawless and clung to the hope of evading capture. Unbeknownst to them, state security authorities quickly became aware of the situation and took action.

Finally, Cao, Xia and Zhang were sentenced to 17 years, 13 years and 9 years in prison, respectively, for espionage and illegally obtaining and providing state secrets for foreign entities.

Global Times