This file photo dated April 13, 2016 shows the seal of the Central Intelligence Agency at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. (PHOTO / AP)

BEIJING – The Ministry of State Security announced on Friday that a recent espionage case involving Central Intelligence Agency of the United States has been successfully cracked.

The suspect from China, surnamed Zeng, born in July 1971, used to be an employee of a military-industrial group in China and held an important role involving classified information.

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During the period that Zeng was studying in Italy sponsored by his company, an official from the US embassy in Italy named "Seth" took the initiative to get acquainted with Zeng, a report on the incident said.

After obtaining evidence of Zeng’s espionage activities, the national security department took lawful coercive measures to promptly eliminate the threat caused by him

The two gradually developed a closer relationship through activities such as dinners, outings and attending opera performances. Through Seth's consistent boasting and manipulation, Zeng's stance on the Chinese political system began to waver and his attitudes toward value and the meaning of life begin to change. As their interaction deepened, Seth revealed to Zeng his identity as a CIA Rome station personnel, promising substantial rewards and facilitating immigration for Zeng and Zeng's family to the US.

The operative also demanded sensitive military information from Zeng.

Zeng agreed to Seth's proposal and signed an espionage agreement, and underwent assessments and training provided by the US side.

After completing his study in Italy, Zeng returned to China and secretly met with CIA personnel multiple times, providing a significant amount of sensitive intelligence and receiving spy funds.

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Through meticulous investigation, the national security department obtained substantial evidence of Zeng's espionage activities and took lawful coercive measures to promptly eliminate the threat caused by Zeng. 

The case has been transferred to the procuratorate for further review and prosecution.