TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two Air Force officers, one retired and one on active duty, have admitted to providing secrets on Hsiung Feng III missile operations.
On Wednesday, the Taichung Branch of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office said an investigation that concluded in December led to the two officers being indicted for breaching the National Security Act and other charges, per CNA. The case is being tried in a closed session by the Taiwan High Court, Taichung Branch.
After retiring in 2008, a former Air Force major surnamed Shih (史) was allegedly introduced to Chinese intelligence personnel through acquaintances and recruited. Shih then joined a company as a supervisor, responsible for recruiting members in Taiwan and gathering classified military information.
In 2021, Shih, through personal connections, approached an officer surnamed Hsu (許), who was an intercept controller at the Air Force Combat Command. Shih claimed to have ties with the US military and sought to recruit Hsu, asking him to provide classified information on the Air Force’s response to Chinese military aircraft incursions in return for financial compensation.
Hsu allegedly provided Shih with classified Air Force training documents, including sensitive information on the operational deployment of Hsiung Feng III missiles on fighter jets. Shih is said to have forwarded the intel to Chinese intelligence personnel.
In return, Shih reportedly received over NT$1.5 million (US$45,000) in "company dividends," from which he paid Hsu over NT$200,000.
In August, the Taichung High Prosecutors Office led an investigation team to search Shi's residence. Seized items such as mobile phones and computers revealed Hsu's involvement.
Both men confessed to their crimes during questioning. Following further investigation, prosecutors requested and obtained approval for their detention.
Last week, Shih was released on bail of NT$100,000, while Hsu remains in custody.
