In #China , a former civil servant surnamed Wang has been sentenced to life imprisonment for espionage. Previously a successful employee of a secretive institution, he was recruited by foreign intelligence after his indebtedness due to investments in cryptocurrency led to serious financial difficulties. Before the specialist was exposed, he passed classified data to foreign agents, receiving more than 1 million yuan (CNY) in cryptocurrency for doing so.
Wang posted a message on a forum looking for a part-time job, indicating that he was a government employee, which caught the attention of foreign intelligence. He was recruited by offering money for information about his institution's activities. Initially, fearing exposure, he agreed to pass on limited information, but then succumbed to temptation and continued his activities, sending increasingly important documents.
The investigation revealed serious deficiencies in the security management of the institution where Wang worked. Documents were not properly logged and one was found at his workplace. These security lapses allowed Wang to discreetly obtain and transmit classified information, with serious consequences.
This case highlights the vulnerability of secret agencies to foreign intelligence agencies that actively recruit government employees. They usually offer large sums of money, blackmail and pressure targets into using them as long-term “informants.” In Wang's case, he tried to cut off contact with the agents but was forced to continue cooperating under the threat of exposure. China's National Security Service has called on all state agencies in the country to strengthen security measures to prevent such incidents.
