The Maritime Self-Defense Force captain suspected of deliberately leaking designated state secrets on national security belonged to an intelligence unit that deals with classified information, government sources said.
The unit as a matter of course does not provide information to outside parties, though the captain is suspected of having leaked designated secrets to a retired vice admiral who had served in key MSDF posts. The captain briefed the former MSDF officer on national security situations during a briefing held upon the request of the retired vice admiral.
According to the sources, the retired vice admiral contacted a senior defense officer several years ago, seeking information on the grounds that the retired vice admiral was presented with opportunities to give lectures. The request reached the captain in question, who briefed the retired vice admiral. Designated state secrets are believed to have been divulged as part of the briefing.
