CCTV stated a US professor near Hou launched him to somebody who claimed to be an worker of a consulting firm, however was really an American “intelligence officer” utilizing the corporate as his cowl, CCTV stated.
Within the ensuing months as they turned extra pleasant, the intelligence officer approached Hou to turn out to be a consulting skilled at “his firm”, promising him a cost of US$600-US$700 every time for the standard of his service.
Just a few months later, whereas Hou’s spouse and son have been visiting the US, the American revealed his true intentions and proposed a change in the way in which they cooperated. Hou, fearing for his spouse’s and son’s security, agreed to the phrases, in line with CCTV.
Underneath the association, over many conferences, Hou can be requested to reveal extremely categorized secrets and techniques in hour-long classes and would get US$1,000 as compensation, the report stated.
The cooperation continued after Hou returned to China in 2014. He would meet with US intelligence whereas attending worldwide conferences, CCTV stated. He additionally offered intelligence info within the subject of nationwide defence and the navy trade on his personal initiative, the report stated.
After investigations by the Chinese language authorities, Hou was detained in July 2021 and charged on suspicion of espionage.
Lately, China has arrested and detained dozens of Chinese language and overseas nationals on suspicion of espionage, elevating the considerations of the US over its counter-espionage push.
Just lately, China’s spy company revealed new particulars a couple of US citizen jailed for all times for espionage earlier this 12 months.