【Epoch Times News December 19, 2024】The officer surnamed Tsao from the Security Police Sixth Squadron of the Taiwan Ministry of the Interior was detained for allegedly leaking the President’s confidential schedule after being seconded to the National Security Bureau’s Special Security Center. In response to this incident, the spokesperson for the Presidential Office, Guo Yahui, stated that both the National Security Bureau and the Presidential Office will punish according to the law without any leniency.
The Tainan District Prosecutors Office in Taiwan issued a press release today (December 19) stating that prosecutors are investigating the defendant surnamed Tsao for suspected offenses such as leaking secrets under the Criminal Code and the National Security Act. They directed the Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Justice and other units to execute a search on Tsao’s residence and other locations with a court-issued search warrant on December 8. After questioning Tsao, the prosecutors deemed the offense significant and with risks of collusion and evidence tampering, hence they applied for and were granted permission by the court to detain him and restrict visitation.
The Sixth Squadron released news information today regarding the case of the officer surnamed Tsao, who was detained for suspected offenses of leaking secrets while being seconded to the Special Security Center. Tsao, a police officer from the First Police Division who was seconded to the center on May 20, was suspected of leaking secrets during his assignment. After being discharged from the Special Security Center on December 8, Tsao returned to the Sixth Squadron. The court considered Tsao’s offense of leaking secrets significant and with risks of collusion, hence on December 9, they ruled to detain him and restrict visitation. Therefore, the investigation is still ongoing, and they will cooperate with the Special Security Center and investigative units.
The Sixth Squadron stated that Tsao was detained, and he was immediately suspended from duty in accordance with the regulations for police personnel. Upholding the principle of fair and lawful investigation, they will thoroughly investigate to demonstrate their determination to uphold the honor of the police force.
The spokesperson for the Presidential Office, Guo Yahui, stated that concerning the case of the Sixth Squadron officer suspected of illegally leaking secrets and violating the National Security Act, the case has entered the judicial trial stage. The Presidential Office respects the judicial process and will fully cooperate with the relevant units for the subsequent judicial investigation.
Guo Yahui pointed out that the security personnel of the Presidential Office have always been dedicated to their duties. Regarding individual personnel suspected of illegal activities, not only does it harm the diligent members of the military and police force, but it also harms the people and the nation. The National Security Bureau and the Presidential Office will punish according to the law without any leniency. The Presidential Office will continue to strengthen the advocacy and training of laws and regulations related to security of military and police secrets to enhance national security awareness and combat unlawful actions.
The Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China continued to review the 114 (2025) annual central government budget regarding the public disclosure and confidential parts of the expenditure controlled by the Ministry of National Defense. Minister of National Defense, Gu Lixiong, conducted a joint interview with the media before the meeting. Gu Lixiong stated that the Chinese Communist Party is continuously expanding its military presence and infiltrating Taiwan in various ways, warranting the need for the Ministry of National Defense to constantly strengthen the awareness of defense among its servicemen.
Gu Lixiong pointed out that the recent case involving espionage at the Military Police 211th Battalion was reported by military personnel, indicating that the military personnel have a sense of vigilance. In fact, the majority of cases now are reported by military personnel. He emphasized that the Ministry of National Defense has implemented control measures and related adjustments after the incident occurred, and will continue to strengthen defense measures, conduct education for servicemen, and continuously enhance the counteraction against the infiltration by the Chinese Communist Party.
Taiwanese legislator Chen Guanting commented on the case of the police officer being detained for leaking confidential presidential security information, following the prosecution of four non-commissioned officers from the Military Police 211th Battalion. He stated, “This case has once again aroused public attention, indicating a serious loophole in our national security system. The national security agency should immediately launch a comprehensive investigation across units and remain vigilant against the Chinese Communist Party’s infiltration efforts.”
Chen Guanting pointed out that the investigation recently uncovered that officers from the Presidential Security Team’s Wanli Guards Office have leaked the President’s confidential schedule multiple times, including vital information such as security personnel deployment and movement routes. “This case, coupled with the previous case of the four non-commissioned officers from the Military Police 211th Battalion allegedly revealing military secrets to Chinese intelligence agents, highlights the severe challenge facing the security work of the top and deputy leaders.”
“Collecting information on the movements of our top leaders by the Chinese Communist Party is not just about gathering intelligence but serves a clear political purpose,” Chen Guanting emphasized. In order to effectively respond to this threat, it is essential to thoroughly interpret the motives behind the Chinese Communist Party’s collection of information on the leaders’ schedules to grasp their hidden threats.
Chen Guanting stressed, “The repeated security vulnerabilities in safeguarding the security of the national leaders are absolutely unacceptable.” The national security agency must immediately activate a cross-department investigation mechanism. From the police, military police to the military, they should comprehensively review whether there are problems with the background screening systems of related personnel and intensify the frequency and depth of loyalty assessments.
Chen Guanting stated that he has repeatedly raised questions on national security issues in the Legislative Yuan, continuously urging relevant units to implement rigorous security clearance mechanisms. “For all personnel handling classified information, in addition to the basic security clearance qualifications review, there should be a strengthened regular review mechanism, including their criminal records, financial status, and whether they are influenced by foreign forces.” In the face of current national security threats, all relevant departments must take immediate action to ensure the integrity of the national security system and “not allow any security loopholes that threaten national security to exist.”