A Maritime Self-Defense Force captain is suspected of leaking information designated as a state secret, government sources said Saturday, the first time such a breach has come to light.
The leak occurred when a former MSDF admiral asked the captain for information via another MSDF personnel, the sources said, though the content of the unauthorized disclosure is not known. The SDF's criminal investigation unit has launched a probe into the alleged leak, they said.
The Defense Ministry is set to take disciplinary action against the male captain and the other MSDF personnel involved as early as Monday, they said, adding that no evidence has been found that the leaked information has been given to another country.