Two Chinese nationals are headed for trial in Malaysia in an espionage case that’s grabbing global headlines. And it all started with a DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drone.
Li Luorong, 26, and Chen Junhao, 19, are accused of flying a Mavic 3 Enterprise drone over Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence headquarters on August 6, 2025. Prosecutors say the pair captured aerial footage of Wisma Pertahanan, a restricted military zone, without authorization.
This wasn’t just a minor airspace violation. Malaysia has charged the duo under its Official Secrets Act, accusing them of acquiring information “detrimental to national security.” The first charge alone carries a potential life sentence. A second charge — flying a drone for surveying purposes without prior clearance — could add up to 14 years behind bars.
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During mention proceedings today, Sessions Court Judge Izralizam Sanusi confirmed that the four-day trial will begin April 27, 2026. Prosecutors are still gathering key documents, including the official designation of the area as a prohibited zone and details of its security perimeter.
Police say Li and Chen were caught red-handed by Military Police while flying the drone from a nearby football field. Wangsa Maju district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Lazim Ismail said preliminary investigations suggest the duo were acting under orders from their employer, though they claimed to be unaware of the mission’s sensitive nature. Both remain in custody after being denied bail.
For American drone pilots, this case feels like something straight out of a geopolitical thriller. It also mirrors a growing debate in the US: should Chinese-made drones — especially DJI drones — be allowed near sensitive infrastructure?
Washington lawmakers have long warned that DJI drones could pose data security risks, even as the tech giant insists it complies with all applicable laws and employs rigorous safeguards for data integrity. Several states and federal agencies have restricted DJI purchases for government use, while legislation such as the American Security Drone Act seeks to phase out Chinese-made drones from public safety fleets.
Now, with two Chinese nationals allegedly flying a DJI enterprise drone near a foreign military HQ, the fears seem less hypothetical. The Mavic 3 Enterprise isn’t a hobbyist toy — it’s a professional-grade aircraft equipped with a 56x zoom camera, RTK positioning, and a flight time of up to 45 minutes, making it ideal for mapping and surveillance.
Even beyond the China angle, this case serves as a cautionary tale for drone pilots worldwide. Flying near restricted areas — whether it’s Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence, the Pentagon, or a US military base — can have severe consequences.
In the US, violating Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) around sensitive sites can lead to hefty fines, loss of equipment, and potential criminal charges. But life imprisonment is almost unheard of stateside, which makes Malaysia’s case particularly striking. The verdict could set an international precedent for how governments treat unauthorized drone flights near military sites, especially when the pilots are foreign nationals.
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