Seoul: A Chinese national arrested on charges of filming South Korea's intelligence agency headquarters in Seoul via drone has been handed over to prosecution authorities, officials said on Monday. The individual, a man in his 40s, allegedly captured footage of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) headquarters while also recording the nearby Heolleung and Illeung Royal Tombs, which are historical burial sites from the Joseon Dynasty era.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese suspect, referred to as Mr. A, was initially arrested in November of last year. He was handed over to prosecutors last week on charges related to violations of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act and the Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Authorities are scrutinizing the footage to assess the potential breach of national security laws.

"We are currently verifying with relevant agencies regarding any counterespionage suspicions," Chosun Biz reported, citing a Korean official who addressed the matter during a regular press briefing. The investigation seeks to clarify the motivations behind the filming and any possible links to espionage activities.