Taiwan Drops Case Against Fugitive Intelligence Official After Quarter-Century

Embezzlement and Espionage: A Former Colonel's Journey from Taiwan to China

TAIPEI (Taiwan) – The Taipei District Court has dismissed charges against former National Security Bureau Colonel Liu Kuan-chun (劉冠軍), a fugitive intelligence official who has been on the run for 25 years, after being accused of embezzlement and espionage. The ruling, delivered on Saturday, effectively closes the case due to the statute of limitations.

The charges against Liu, aged 70, stemmed from allegations of embezzling NT$190 million (approximately US$6.18 million) during his time as a cashier at Taiwan's top intelligence agency. While the prosecution is now halted, appeals against the court’s decision remain possible. Liu is still wanted for crossing over to the enemy side, per reports from CNA.

Prosecutors alleged that Liu, responsible for managing secret funds, exploited lax oversight to embezzle funds and underreport interest payments. His actions came to light, prompting him to flee Taiwan.

On September 3, 2000, Liu boarded a fishing trawler in Hsinchu and reached China the same day. His subsequent travels reportedly included stops in Thailand and Canada.

Had Liu been convicted, he would have faced a potential life sentence. However, subsequent legal changes reduced the maximum sentence to 20 years. The statute of limitations further extended the period, making prosecution impossible in this case.

The National Security Bureau revealed that Liu had taken sensitive intelligence files with him to China. He not only provided the documents to Chinese officials but also assisted in their interpretation and analysis. In 2002, the former cashier reportedly shared confidential information regarding the funding, implementation, and targets of special diplomatic projects with the media, the bureau added.