A former engineer at a research institute in China has been given the death penalty for selling classified information to foreign intelligence agencies, as announced by Chinese authorities.

After quitting his job at the institute, Liu, the researcher in question, devised a “thorough” scheme to sell intelligence to foreign agencies, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of State Security on Wednesday.

The ministry did not disclose Liu’s previous workplace or identify the foreign organizations that allegedly purchased the sensitive material.

This announcement comes amidst growing concerns from China that its citizens are being recruited by foreign entities to act as spies.

“Individuals who seek shortcuts to success will face severe consequences,” stated the Ministry of State Security in its Wednesday publication.

Believing he had been treated unjustly at the institute, Liu collected a substantial amount of classified information before his departure, with the intention of using it for revenge and extortion, according to the ministry.

He subsequently joined an investment firm; however, after his investments failed and he fell into debt, he approached a foreign spy agency, which acquired the material from him at a “very low price,” as stated by the ministry.

This agency subsequently severed contact with Liu, who then attempted to sell the information abroad.

“Within half a year, he secretly traveled to numerous countries and significantly compromised our nation’s secrets,” stated the article.

Liu, who confessed to his crimes after his arrest, has been permanently revoked of his political rights.

Beijing has recently been increasingly vigilant regarding espionage and has warned that foreign spy agencies are attempting to recruit Chinese citizens to obtain state secrets.