TAIWAN Taipei arrests five former soldiers for alleged involvement in Chinese spy ring

The main suspect, a juggling instructor, had been on the wanted list since March. According to investigations, he lured at least 10 officials in need of money for the purpose of stealing classified information from the Taiwanese government.

Taipei ( / Agencies) – Five people, including four retired soldiers, have been arrested in Taiwan on charges of being part of a Chinese spy network. They are suspected of having “contacted, solicited and recruited” military personnel since April last year to obtain classified information, in violation of the national security law, Taipei Deputy Chief Prosecutor Tsai Wei-yi said.

In recent days, the capital’s police, with the authorization of the prosecutor and the investigation office of the Ministry of Justice, have carried out a series of searches and interrogations. Investigations revealed that one of those arrested, Lu Chi-hsien, who worked as a juggling instructor after retiring from the army, was recruited by Chinese intelligence in exchange for money. His task was to contact friends of his still in service and obtain classified information from the government of the island of Taiwan – for Beijing, a “rebel province” part of his territory.

With the help of old official friends, to whom Lu allegedly offered money to pay off debts, the ex-serviceman managed to attract at least 10 people, showing a new face of Chinese espionage to infiltrate Taiwan, deputy prosecutor Tsai continued. The juggler had targeted pawnshops and money lending offices located near military bases, attracting military men who were struggling with money.

After a hearing, Lu and four other servicemen, including two women, were denied bail, while another suspect was released. The Defense Ministry said it was “cooperating with national security agencies in the investigation” but did not provide further details.

Lu Chi-hsien’s activities had already drawn the attention of investigators. As a juggling instructor, he served on the board of directors of a Chinese sports federation, using his position to organize frauds totaling $400.00, deceiving Taiwanese investors and companies. Sentenced to five years and four months in prison in March this year, he failed to appear on the day he was to be taken to prison and remained on the wanted list until his arrest on July 19.