Seoul: A South Korean court has sentenced a Chinese national to five years in prison for attempting to obtain military secrets, as reported by local media. The Seoul Central District Court also ordered the forfeiture of 4.57 million won ($3,200).

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese national was accused of colluding with a Chinese intelligence agent, making multiple attempts between May 2024 and March 2025 to obtain classified information from South Korean service members. The investigation uncovered that the individual used social media chatrooms to reach out to active-duty soldiers, offering them money in return for sensitive information.

The espionage activities included attempts to send spying equipment, such as wristwatches with hidden cameras, to the soldiers. This was intended to facilitate the exchange of military data without the need for in-person meetings. The Defense Counterintelligence Command apprehended the suspect in March, subsequently handing the case over to prosecutors.