By Ismail Auwal
In a shocking turn of events reported by Taiwan’s “China Times” on December 7, a netizen revealed the sale of Taiwan’s 3G wiretaps on the dark web, sparking widespread concern. The disclosed wiretap list includes detailed information on intelligence agencies, political figures, and military personnel, sending shockwaves through the island nation.
According to the report, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities attributed the incident to “cognitive warfare,” accusing foreign forces of orchestrating a deliberate operation to create political turmoil on the eve of the election. The Taiwan Prosecutor’s Office and the Bureau of Investigation released statements condemning the data, claiming it was manipulated and disseminated to undermine diplomatic relations.
However, a subsequent report by Taiwan’s China Times Electronic Newspaper on the 7th raised questions about the authenticity of the authorities’ claims. A reporter, using a dark net alias, verified the information with a case handler, who unexpectedly confirmed ongoing cases. Suspicions arose that the leak originated from within Taiwan’s Bureau of Investigation, creating internal turmoil.
The report further highlighted a similar monitoring list in 2021, accusing the National Security Bureau of illegal surveillance. As political figures, including Kuomintang candidate Hou Youyi and legislator Lai Shibao, demand clarification, Taiwan grapples with a crisis that extends beyond the authenticity of the data—raising concerns about the security of confidential documents and the island’s information integrity.
