TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A former Army captain was indicted Tuesday on charges of selling secrets to China for NT$150,000 (US$4,800).

While serving at the Armed Forces Reserve Command’s All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency, the officer, surnamed Yu (尤), discussed his financial problems online and drew the attention of a Chinese netizen, per CNA. The man offered financial assistance in exchange for secret documents from Yu’s unit.

Prosecutors said Yu used his smartphone to photograph lists containing names and phone numbers of military officials and send them to his Chinese contact. In return, he received NT$150,000 worth of Tether cryptocurrency, according to the Qiaotou District Prosecutors Office.

On Jan. 9, investigators raided Yu’s home in Tainan and seized his phone, images, and chat records. He was charged with violating the National Security Act and anti-corruption laws, and his illegal gains were confiscated. Prosecutors asked the court to impose a severe sentence, saying he breached his duty to protect the nation for personal profit.

Yu began work in April 2021 as a budget official at the All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency in southern Taiwan. He continued managing budgets through several promotion rounds and was transferred to northern Taiwan in June 2023. He retired from the military in December that year.