In a second high-profile espionage case, China on Monday accused a government worker of spying for US intelligence.
The CIA’s Chinese Spy
In a statement, the country’s Ministry of National Security recognised the suspect as Hao Mou.
The ministry said that during study in Japan, the 39-year-old suspect got acquainted with a US embassy official named “Ted,” as he was applying for a US visa.
Before the end of his tenure at the embassy, “Ted” introduced Hao to a colleague named Li Jun, who furthered maintaining “a cooperative relationship” with the accused.
Further, the statement said that before Hao’s study abroad period ended, Li Jun “revealed his identity as a member of the Tokyo Station of the CIA and instigated rebellion against Hao, asking him to work in our core key unit after returning to China.”
Once Hao agreed, he was made to sign an espionage agreement with the US, in order to accept assessment and training.
China unveils second CIA espionage case within 15 days
— Zhang Heqing (@zhang_heqing) August 21, 2023
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Upon his return to China, Hao tried to work in an unnamed government ministry, according to CIA requirements. “He secretly met with CIA personnel many times in the country, provided information and collected espionage funds,” the statement alleged.
China’s national security agency then launched a review of the matter in accordance with the law, which is currently ongoing.
Recent Case
The latest case comes only ten days after the same ministry claimed that it had discovered another Chinese national named Zeng, spying for the CIA.
Zeng, who had worked for a military-industrial group, was hired to divulge China’s top military secrets to US intelligence. He had been sent to Italy for further studies by the military-industrial group when he became acquainted with the US agent.
Furthermore, CCTV said that Zeng had signed an espionage agreement with the US and received training before returning to China. Upon returning, Zeng allegedly provided “core” intelligence to the US on multiple occasions in exchange for “money and immigration.”