Diabolo Coach Lu Chi-hsien Sentenced to 10.5 Years in Espionage Case

Taipei, June 26 – The Supreme Court has upheld a 10-year and 6-month prison sentence for diabolo coach Lu Chi-hsien, who was convicted of developing an espionage network for China in Taiwan. Investigations revealed that Lu received at least NT$5.7 million in illicit funds from Chinese intelligence operatives to recruit active and retired military personnel.

Lu utilized a rental property in Shilin as a hub to solicit classified military information. Records show he successfully recruited seven service members and attempted to recruit 11 others. Among his co-defendants, Kuo Po-ting, brother of actress Kuo Shu-yao, had his case remanded for retrial by the High Court after his initial 3-year sentence was contested.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office charged a total of 10 individuals, including Lu, for violating the National Security Act. While the Supreme Court finalized the sentences for Lu and several others, it ordered a retrial for Kuo Po-ting and another defendant, citing the need for further clarification on the scope of their involvement.

Separately, Lu faces additional legal proceedings regarding the leakage of travel itineraries related to former President Tsai Ing-wen, for which he has received separate sentences of 6 years and 6 years and 8 months.