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MSS warns foreign spies attempt to exploit food delivery workers to conduct surveillance, gather confidential info

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 12, 2025 08:15 AM

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Tuesday revealed a case involving a delivery rider who vigilantly defended national security. It warned some people attempted to exploit the advantages of food delivery workers—such as their constant movement through streets, flexible mobility, and familiarity with local terrain—to carry out surveillance and gather confidential information.

One summer afternoon, delivery rider Xiao Wang had just dropped off an order and was about to take a short break when his phone buzzed with a new request. The customer had ordered a braised pork trotter rice, and the pickup point was less than 800 meters from the delivery location. While wondering if the address was correct, his phone rang, according to a posted by MSS on its WeChat account.

On the line, the customer urged, "Where are you now? Can you send me a photo? I must see a picture to confirm delivery..." The repeated prodding made Xiao Wang glance at the delivery address again. Familiar with the area, he immediately grew cautious—it was a strictly managed sensitive facility.

Wang told the customer that photography was prohibited at the site, but the person persisted: "Forget the food, I'll give you a tip. Just take a few random pictures nearby and send them to me."

The unusual request raised his suspicion. Remembering the security alerts he often saw on his phone from the national security authorities, Wang suspected the customer might be trying to obtain classified information. He promptly called the national security hotline and reported the suspicious incident in detail.

The investigation revealed that the customer had a personal dispute with an employee at the sensitive facility and was unaware of the site's confidentiality requirements, which is why he tried to have delivery rider Wang take photos.

Although the possibility of the customer colluding with foreign intelligence agencies to steal secrets was ruled out, Wang's strong sense of responsibility and vigilance in safeguarding national security remain commendable, according to MSS.

The MSS revealed that authorities have found that foreign espionage agencies have attempted to exploit the unique advantages of food delivery workers—such as their constant movement through streets, flexible mobility, and familiarity with local areas—to conduct surveillance and gather classified information in China.

It listed some suspicious behaviors to watch for include: unusual requests to photograph specific buildings or facilities such as government offices, research labs, energy plants; or being asked to deliver non-food items like USB drives.

Moreover, repeated casual questions aimed at obtaining details about sensitive sites, such as staff schedules or security routines, should also be treated with suspicion.