Taiwan general lured by sex-trap spy

Taiwan general lured by sex-trap spy

A file photo of Lo, dated 2008Taiwan has arrested a major-general on suspicion of espionage.It was reported that China recruited Major General Lo Hsien-che, 51,in 2004 when he was posted overseas.Lo, now head of the army command's communications and information office, was a militaryattach when he was based in Thailand between 2002 and 2005.He fell into the trap afterbeing lured bya female spy, believed to have been sent by China.The agent, an entrepreneur in her 30s, held an Australia passport and dealt with Thailand, China and the US.Lo fell in love with her.He was said to also received several instalments of US100,000 (RM304,574) for providing military secrets to China.

After Lo returned to Taiwan, the duo still keep in touch with each other.

Citing unidentified sources, the Liberty Times reported that Lopassed classified information to China. Their communications were intercepted by Asia-based US intelligence officials.

News reports said Lo was believed to have leaked information about an integrated command, communications and control network known as the Bo Sheng project.

Bo Sheng - which means broad victory, was established 10 years ago and its infrastructure is provided by the US. It is an air defence system designed to help Taiwan defend itself against a possible Chinese attack.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949.

China claims the self-ruled island as part of its own territory and both sides have long engaged in espionage against each other.

Lo comes from anmilitary family. His father and elder brother were also army officers while hisson is also currently serving in the military.
Source: AP / TVBS

Published Feb 10 2011