Air Force driver took photos of military deployment maps for profit, retrial sentenced to 2 years

(Central News Agency reporter Su Mu-chun, Taichung, 16th) A man surnamed Lin, serving in the Air Force, took photos of rocket force deployment maps with his mobile phone 5 years ago to pay off debts, and sold them to an unidentified person. The first trial acquitted him, ruling the information did not reach the level of confidentiality. After an appeal, the Taichung Branch of the Taiwan High Court overturned the ruling in a retrial today, sentencing him to 2 years in prison. The case can be appealed.

The man, surnamed Lin, was accused of acting as a vehicle driver for the Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command in September 2021. To raise funds to repay his debts, he was introduced by a military colleague to an unidentified "Manager He" via messaging software.

Lin hoped the other party could help settle his NT$140,000 debt. "Manager He" requested military secrets such as "whether Patriot technical manuals or equipment parameters could be provided" and "Patriot distribution maps."

In the same month, taking advantage of waiting for a disciplinary personnel evaluation meeting at the brigade staff office, Lin photographed military information laid on a desk, including "PLA Air Force, Naval Aviation, and Rocket Force Main Battle Force Deployment Judgment Map within 600 Nautical Miles," "Air Force Air Defense and Missile Issue Discussion Meeting Minutes," and "Air Force Air Defense and Missile Command Issue Discussion Attendee Roster," and sent them to "Manager He."

Upon receiving the files, "Manager He" transferred NT$4,000 to Lin's post office account. The case came to light when a citizen found Lin's mobile phone and handed it to the Miaoli Precinct of the Miaoli County Police Bureau. Officers checking the phone to identify the owner discovered suspected collection of military secrets and requested the Taichung Military Police Squad under the Military Police Command to investigate.

The Taichung Military Police Squad notified Lin to appear for investigation in December 2022. After investigation by the Taichung Branch of the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, he was indicted for attempted collection of military secrets under the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces.

Following the first trial at the Taichung Branch of the Taiwan High Court, a military appraisal determined the materials were not classified, resulting in an acquittal for Lin in December 2023. Following a prosecutorial appeal, the Supreme Court held that the original judgment failed to thoroughly verify the facts and hastily concluded the act as an impossible attempt, thereby acquitting the defendant. The Supreme Court ordered a retrial.

After proceedings at the Taichung Branch of the Taiwan High Court, a retrial verdict was announced today, revoking the original judgment and sentencing him to 2 years for attempted leakage of military secrets. The case can be appealed. (Editor: Zhang Yajing) 1150416

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