South Korea accuses Chinese students of taking illegal drone video of US aircraft carrier
- The three, who allegedly photographed Naval Operations Command in Busan, could face three years in prison or a fine of US$21,000
Three Chinese students are under investigation by South Korean police for allegedly taking illegal photographs of a US aircraft carrier visiting the country, Korean media reported on Wednesday.
The Chinese nationals were caught flying a drone towards Naval Operations Command in the southeastern city of Busan on June 25 and are alleged to have illegally captured photos of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt which was docked at the base, Korea JoongAng Daily said.
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Busan police said the suspects were accused of violating the Enforcement Decree of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act, which stipulates that individuals caught photographing military bases or facilities without authorisation can face three years in prison or a fine of 30 million won (US$21,700).
The three Chinese nationals, aged between 30 and 49, said their action was motivated by curiosity, according to another report by the Chinese website of Yonhap News Agency. Busan police and the local media outlets identified them as students.
The drone captured more than five minutes of footage of the aircraft carrier and the base, the report said.
The unauthorised photographs were taken on the same day South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the flight deck of the aircraft carrier for an inspection, according to the outlet.
