2 ex-Chinese military personnel arrested in South Korea for alleged espionage

South Korea has arrested two former Chinese military personnel for alleged espionage, according to police reports. One suspect, a man in his 60s, was accused of setting up an interception device to eavesdrop on communications between fighter jets and ground control at a military base used jointly by South Korean and U.S. forces.

The device, consisting of a software-defined radio receiver, antenna, and laptop, was found at a hotel near the base. The man is alleged to have intercepted these communications several times since 2024. He previously served in the Chinese military but did not provide further details about his identity. Police arrested him on Monday for violating laws related to aiding the enemy and protecting communication secrets.

They are now conducting a forensic examination of his laptop to determine if he relayed any intercepted communications to Chinese authorities.

Another suspect, a Chinese man in his 40s, was arrested on Monday for allegedly illegally collecting information from the U.S. military headquarters near Seoul. The charges include obtaining information on U.S.-South Korean military drills, photographs showing the movements of weapons at the headquarters, and details of personnel changes of top U.S. military officers.

Police suspect the man had a romantic relationship with a South Korean woman working at the U.S. command, who allegedly provided him with the information in exchange for money. Both suspects are currently in police custody as authorities investigate the alleged espionage activities.