Korean man detained in China on espionage charges

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Korean man detained in China on espionage charges

Published: 29 Oct. 2024, 10:13 Updated: 29 Oct. 2024, 10:15

China's flag [EPA/YONHAP]

A Korean man has been detained in China on espionage charges, marking the first such case involving a Korean national, diplomatic sources reported on Monday.

The suspect in his 50s, whose identity has been withheld, was reportedly arrested late last year. He had been residing in Hefei, the capital of eastern Anhui province.

Chinese prosecutors formally detained him a few months ago, charging him under the revised counterespionage law that took effect in July 2023.

The amended law notably broadens the definition of espionage.

This marks the first time a Korean national has been charged and detained under the revised espionage law.

Chinese authorities reportedly suspect the man, who worked for a semiconductor company in China, of leaking semiconductor-related information to Korea.

Yonhap