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MSS exposes 3 individuals posing as 'deliveryman' and 'anglers' to steal military secrets

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 15, 2025 09:30 AM

Recently, China's state security authorities cracked down on a case of organized espionage committed by individuals within the country for improper gains. Three individuals disguised themselves as a "deliveryman" and "anglers" to set up an "observation post" near a key military area within the country. They regularly reported dynamic information about important military targets to foreign agents. Ultimately, they were sentenced to 17 years, 13 years, and 9 years in prison, respectively, for espionage and the crimes of illegally obtaining and providing state secrets for foreign entities.

Surnamed Cao, Xia, and Zhang, the three persons who met while working, were close friends and often referred to each other as brothers. However, after long-term exposure to "gray zone industry" groups on foreign websites, the three gradually became dissatisfied with the income from their regular jobs. They believed that with their cleverness, they could find a "shortcut" to make big money in the "gray industry."

By chance, Cao connected with a foreign intelligence officer on an overseas online platform. The officer immediately hit it off with Cao and enthusiastically offered him a job collecting information on domestic military targets, promising high remuneration.

Although Cao was fully aware of the criminal nature of the task and clearly knew the other party was a foreign intelligence officer, he chose to disregard national security and the law in the face of financial temptation. He proactively acted as the officer's pawn, setting up an observation post near a key military area as instructed and regularly reporting dynamic information on important military targets.

Even more astonishingly, Cao made no attempt to conceal his espionage activities. Instead, he proactively introduced Xia and Zhang to the foreign intelligence officer, recruiting them to join the operation and leading his friends down the path of crime.

Cao, Xia, and Zhang were fully aware of the criminal nature of their espionage activities. To avoid detection, the three lived in different locations, used foreign encrypted communication software to stay in touch, and even purchased items such as delivery uniforms and fishing rods to disguise their activities. Despite these measures, their inner unease grew daily due to their crimes.

After being apprehended, they admitted, "we were seen as 'high reward money' in the eyes of others and constantly feared being reported," and "we never slept soundly." Regrettably, despite their intense inner turmoil, Cao and the others did not choose to turn themselves in to state security authorities. They believed their disguises as a "deliveryman" and "anglers" were flawless and clung to the hope of evading capture. Unbeknownst to them, state security authorities quickly became aware of the situation and took action.

Finally, Cao, Xia, and Zhang were sentenced to 17 years, 13 years, and 9 years in prison, respectively, for espionage and the crimes of illegally obtaining and providing state secrets for foreign entities.