TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday confirmed a leak of official documents, which were reportedly being sold on the dark web.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has ordered an investigation, per CNA. MOFA said it is possible the documents were leaked by a current or former employee.

The ministry did not disclose the content of the leaked files but said most were dated 2024. Some may have been altered or forged before being posted online.

MOFA said it will review and strengthen its document management mechanisms and protocols. If responsibility for the leak or theft is determined, the case will be referred to prosecutors.

In early 2024, similar reports surfaced of diplomatic documents from MOFA dating back to 2023 being offered for sale on the dark web. At the time, MOFA said the case involved “tampering by overseas agents, forgery, and malicious cognitive warfare,” per CNA.

In May, the ministry was reportedly targeted by cyberattacks originating from China, though MOFA said none were successful and no information was compromised. Taiwan has warned in recent years of the growing frequency of Chinese cyberattacks on its government agencies.