Taiwanese prosecutors charged four people, including a former presidential aide to President Lai Ching-te, on Tuesday with spying for allegedly passing on sensitive national security information to China.
The four accused were previously expelled from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) last month due to suspected ties to Chinese intelligence operations. The DPP, known for its pro-sovereignty stance, swiftly removed the individuals after internal investigations. A fifth person linked to the group remains under investigation.
The two defendants were indicted by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for alleged violations under the Classified National Security Information Protection Act and the National Security Act. The indictment accused the couple of transferring “important and sensitive diplomatic information” to Beijing over many years and engaging in money laundering activities. Prosecutors claimed the espionage had caused “significant harm” to Taiwan’s national security.
Authorities are seeking prison terms ranging from five to over 18 years and the confiscation of illicit gains exceeding NT$8.3 million (US$277,000).
The most severe charges are against a defendant surnamed Huang, accused of transmitting confidential information to China using a specific messaging app. Huang previously worked for a New Taipei City councillor, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA).
One defendant, surnamed Ho, previously worked as an aide to National Security Council chief Joseph Wu when he was foreign minister.
Huang and Ho have both denied charges against them, but the other two accused defendants, including a former executive assistant to Lai during his two stints as vice president and president, have confessed to committing the alleged crimes.
Beijing and Taipei have for years conducted mutual surveillance, but Taiwan authorities say Chinese infiltration attempts have become more aggressive recently. In 2024 alone, 64 people were prosecuted for espionage linked to China, including military veterans and active personnel, with some getting up to 20 years in prison.
