The state media announced this week that a university graduate student has been arrested for allegedly selling sensitive information to foreigners. The man, whose full name was not disclosed, has reportedly collected more than 60 intelligence items and shared these with unauthorized parties.

Like Us on Facebook

Over the duration of two years, the alleged criminal provided unauthorized information to unnamed foreigners who contacted him through online posts.

A preliminary investigation revealed over 50 transactions between the suspect and his foreign buyers. Moreover, the interactions showed that the alleged spy was fully aware of the potential consequences of the illegal actions.

Officials mentioned that the alleged criminal was paid a total of $32,000 (USD), along with airfare to travel to the southern island province of Hainan and then transmitted "sensitive military images" overseas.

The official Xinhua news agency issued a report that condemned the actions of the man and vowed to investigate further.

"This case reflects that the black hand of foreign intelligence groups has already extended to university
students through the corrosion of the Internet," Xinhua said.

Other high profile cases involving the alleged sale of sensitive information have dominated the headlines in recent months.

In May, the state media reported that an individual was accused of leaking military journals, information about military bases, photos and secret documents.

This individual was found guilty of selling information to a foreign spy. He was then given a ten-year prison sentence.

Another notable case unfolded recently when a Canadian couple who ran a coffee shop near the North Korean border was suspected of theft of military intelligence. This was said to pose danger to national security.

Theft of state secrets often comes with severe punishment. In some cases, authorities may mete out life imprisonment sentences or the death penalty.