A ride-hailing driver in China has been awarded a top national security honor after helping thwart an attempted espionage operation involving foreign nationals.
Authorities said the driver, surnamed Chen, became suspicious when two passengers began photographing a military compound during a trip. After dropping them off, he reported the incident via the national security hotline, 12339.
Chen then activated multiple ride-hailing platforms and waited nearby. Shortly afterward, he received another booking request from the same individuals. When they re-entered his vehicle, he altered the route and drove back toward the military site.
Sensing something was amiss, the passengers hastily deleted photos from their phones. Chen responded quickly, accelerating toward the compound gate before making a sudden stop and securing a device to preserve evidence. Military personnel on duty promptly intervened and detained the two individuals.
Investigators later determined that the suspects had been directed by a foreign intelligence agency to use ride-hailing services to collect sensitive information on military facilities, including their locations and layouts.