A former Chinese engineer has been sentenced to death for leaking state secrets to a foreign intelligence agency, Beijing’s spy agency has announced.
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| A Chinese engineer who leaked classified information to a foreign intelligence agency has been sentenced to death, as Beijing intensifies its fight against espionage. Symbolic Image |
Beijing, China, March 19, 2025:
A former Chinese engineer has been sentenced to death for leaking state secrets to a foreign intelligence agency, Beijing’s Ministry of State Security announced on Wednesday. The man, identified only by his surname Liu, was accused of illegally copying, storing, and selling classified government information, citing agency the Star reports this.
Liu had worked as an assistant engineer at a research institute but resigned after feeling mistreated. Before leaving, he secretly copied a large volume of classified materials, intending to use them for personal leverage. Struggling with financial difficulties due to failed investments, he later sold the documents to a foreign intelligence agency. However, after handing over the sensitive information at a low price, his foreign contacts severed ties.
Undeterred, Liu continued his espionage activities, traveling through multiple countries over six months to sell more classified data. The Ministry of State Security stated that his actions "severely compromised China's national secrets." Following an extensive investigation, he was sentenced to death, though authorities did not disclose the name of his former employer or the foreign agency involved.
Beijing has intensified its crackdown on espionage, frequently warning citizens about foreign intelligence threats. In recent months, authorities have highlighted cases of individuals recruited through online interactions, financial incentives, and even romantic enticements. China’s state security agencies regularly emphasize the dangers of foreign infiltration and espionage.
Although China does not publicly disclose execution figures, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, estimate that thousands of people are executed in the country each year.