Taiwan Anchor Indicted for Taking China-Linked Crypto Bribes

Taiwan prosecutors have indicted Lin Chen-you, a 28-year-old anchor for CTi News, on charges that he accepted cryptocurrency from a Chinese national to produce content and to pay military personnel for classified documents.

The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office announced the indictment Wednesday, saying Lin worked under the direction of a Chinese national surnamed Huang. Prosecutors allege Huang provided story ideas and approved scripts that criticized the ruling party’s recall campaign, and that Lin accepted at least 4,325 USDT last year as part of the arrangement.

Investigators say Lin transferred money to six active or retired members of the Army and Navy in exchange for photographs of classified documents. The prosecutors’ office says the alleged payments to the service members began in 2023. The six military personnel were also indicted on related charges.

Prosecutors allege Lin later received overseas cryptocurrency payments totaling NT$169,493 (about $5,395) routed through accounts on Binance and OKX. The office described the transfers as part of an operation directed by the Chinese agent and characterized the activity as an intrusion into Taiwan’s national security.

Lin faces counts under the Anti-Infiltration Act, the Money Laundering Control Act and the Anti-Corruption Act. Prosecutors are seeking a combined prison term of up to 12 years if he is convicted on all charges.

At a press conference, prosecutors criticized Lin’s conduct, stating: “Lin, as a well-known journalist, had a responsibility to hold the government to account and safeguard the public’s right to information in his reporting, but instead served a hostile foreign power for many years for personal gain.” The office said the alleged operation aimed to influence public opinion and obtain sensitive military information.

CTi News confirmed Lin worked for its broadcast and YouTube channels. Prosecutors did not provide further details about the specific content produced under the alleged direction or how the materials were used by the foreign agent.

The investigation is ongoing as legal proceedings move forward against Lin and the six indicted military officials.