TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former television producer Li Neng-chien (李能謙) was indicted Friday for allegedly working with Chinese intelligence to collect and pass on military information.
CNA reported that prosecutors charged Li and four others with violating national security laws. Prosecutors said Li was recruited by Chinese intelligence agents and recommended a prison sentence of more than 12 years.
Prosecutors said Li traveled to Fuzhou, China, in February, where he was recruited by Chinese agents and agreed to gather military-related information. He allegedly obtained thousands of personal data records, including information on military personnel and shared the files through messaging platforms.
Authorities said Li later met with Chinese military intelligence contacts in Guangzhou and agreed to assist in intelligence operations targeting Taiwan’s armed forces. He and his associates allegedly sought financial rewards based on the sensitivity of the information they provided.
After returning to Taiwan, Li allegedly directed others to collect personal data and sensitive military details. One associate purchased a list of 50 military personnel and passed it to Li, though payment negotiations with Chinese contacts failed, per UDN.
In another attempt, Li reportedly created a messaging group to recruit active-duty military members and encourage them to share information. Investigators said the effort was unsuccessful as participants did not respond.
Prosecutors said Li acted as the main organizer and put personal gain above national security by supplying confidential information to Chinese intelligence personnel. They said his actions seriously harmed Taiwan’s security and warranted a heavy sentence.
