China has warned its citizens not to fall for the “exotic beauties” scam used by foreign spy organizations as a means to blackmail them.
In a post on China's WeChat platform, the Ministry of National Security published a cautionary tale titled “In Search of Beauty? Maybe You Are the Prey!”, about a man named Li Si who is lured by “strange sights, flashing neon, and swaying lights.” and alcoholic stimulation” on a foreign trip in an unspecified country.
And it ends with ChinaLeaking of secrets to a foreign spy agency, constant threats to Mr. Lee for more information even upon his return home, and eventual arrest on charges of violating national security.
Beijing is taking tough measures against perceived threats to its national security. Detecting several cases of espionage Which has caught on in recent years.
The government warned its citizens in the country and abroad of the dangers of falling into espionage activities. People have been encouraged to join counterintelligence work which involves establishing channels to report suspicious activities.
Mr. Lee's “nightmare.”
Mr. Lee's story begins with him choosing an “exotic” girl, which leads to foreign spies hunting him down.
The ministry wrote that he was surprised when a number of “powerful foreigners” broke into his private room, took pictures of him naked, and ordered him to follow them against his will.
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The “spies” then threatened to send “pornographic images” of Mr. Lee to his colleagues and superiors back home if he did not comply with their demands, the post said.
Paralyzed by fear, in order to end this “nightmare”, Mr. Li surrenders to join the spy organization where he is forced to provide sensitive intelligence about China but can never satisfy the other party.
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The story continues with Mr. Lee handing over his “secret” computer – effectively a breach of confidentiality according to the ministry – resulting in “all the confidential information on the computer for the past 10 years falling into the hands of the spy organisation”.
He added that “Mr. Li's nightmare is not over yet,” as the other party was constantly calling him and blackmailing him into providing additional secrets.
“In the end, Li Si could only continue to paralyze himself and completely turn into a puppet at the mercy of foreign spy agencies, causing immeasurable damage to our national security,” the post continued.
The story ends with Mr. Lee being arrested and facing a “severe trial.”
The circular advises citizens to be vigilant, not to “deceive”, to delay or refuse to join espionage organizations, and not to hide anything from the authorities or the situation may worsen.
It also reassured citizens drawn into espionage organizations that the anti-espionage law could exempt them from accountability provided they explain the situation “quickly and frankly” to relevant agencies or national security bodies when entering China.
