Introduction:
A police officer has been suspended from duty after being accused of leaking sensitive information about President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) itinerary during his tenure with the National Security Bureau (NSB). The officer, identified only by his surname Tsao (曹), was detained for allegedly disclosing confidential details to friends, which led to a formal investigation.
Suspension and Investigation:
The Sixth Special Police Corps announced on Thursday that Tsao had been suspended following the investigation into his activities. According to police and prosecutors, Tsao, who was seconded to the NSB in May, is suspected of leaking undisclosed information regarding President Lai’s schedule to people within his social circle.
On December 8, Tsao was discharged from his assignment at the NSB and returned to his original posting at the Sixth Special Police Corps. However, due to the seriousness of the allegations, prosecutors requested his detention, which was granted by a court on December 9. The police corps stated that Tsao would remain suspended from duty as part of ongoing legal procedures.
Details of the Allegations:
Tsao is being investigated for violating the Classified National Security Information Protection Act, a law designed to safeguard sensitive government information. Authorities believe that his actions posed a risk to national security, as he allegedly leaked high-level details about the president’s travel plans.
The police corps also emphasized that Tsao had attempted to tamper with evidence and may have been involved in efforts to collude with others involved in the leak. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are working closely with the NSB special service center and prosecutors to uncover the full extent of the leak.
Legal and Administrative Actions:
In response to the serious breach of protocol, Tsao’s suspension follows the Police Personnel Management Act, which governs the administrative actions taken against officers facing misconduct allegations. As part of the procedure, Tsao will face legal proceedings, and authorities have stressed their commitment to transparency and accountability in this investigation.
The Presidential Office, through spokesperson Karen Kuo (éƒé›…æ…§), has expressed full support for the judicial process, underscoring that all relevant government agencies will cooperate with the ongoing investigation to resolve the matter.
Table: Key Details of the Investigation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 2023 | Tsao is seconded to the NSB and begins handling sensitive information. |
| Dec. 8, 2023 | Tsao is discharged from the NSB and returns to his duties at the Sixth Special Police Corps. |
| Dec. 9, 2023 | Prosecutors request Tsao’s detention due to risk of evidence tampering and collusion. |
| Dec. 2023 | Tsao is suspended from duty in accordance with the Police Personnel Management Act. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What was Tsao accused of?
Tsao is accused of leaking sensitive information about President Lai’s itinerary during his time working with the National Security Bureau.
2. What is the Classified National Security Information Protection Act?
This is a law designed to protect classified government information, ensuring that details related to national security are kept secure and not disclosed inappropriately.
3. Why was Tsao suspended from duty?
Tsao was suspended as part of the ongoing investigation into his involvement in leaking confidential information, in line with the Police Personnel Management Act.
4. What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with cooperation between the police corps, the NSB, and prosecutors to determine the extent of the leak and whether further individuals were involved.
5. Has the Presidential Office commented on the matter?
Yes, a spokesperson for the Presidential Office stated that they respect judicial procedures and confirmed that all relevant government units would cooperate with the investigation.
Conclusion:
The case of the police officer leaking sensitive information to his social circle underscores the importance of safeguarding national security. As the investigation continues, both legal and administrative actions are being taken to ensure accountability. The government has expressed its commitment to full transparency and cooperation to resolve this matter swiftly.
