A New Zealand soldier has been convicted of attempting espionage for a foreign power, the first such case in the country's history. The soldier offered military maps and photographs to an undercover officer posing as an agent. He admitted to attempted espionage, accessing a computer system deceitfully, and possessing objectionable material, including a video of a mass shooting in Christchurch. The court proceedings continued to establish sentencing details following his guilty plea, with significant emotional responses from his family present during the trial.
The soldier was caught offering to pass military base maps and photographs to an undercover officer posing as an agent for the foreign nation, the court martial heard.
The court accepted the soldier's guilty plea on Monday but the hearing continued to determine a sentence, which is expected within days.
He admitted to attempted espionage, accessing a computer system for a dishonest purpose, and knowingly possessing an objectionable publication.
While monitoring him, the New Zealand government became aware he had made contact with a third party, indicating he was a soldier who was wanting to defect.
Collection
[
|
...
]