Linton-based soldier charged with espionage, accessing computer for 'dishonest purpose'

The New Zealand Defence Force's Director of Military Prosecutions has laid 17 charges against a Linton-based soldier. Photo / File

A New Zealand Defence Force soldier who has been linked to a far-right group is facing charges of espionage.

The force's director of military prosecutions has laid 17 charges against the 27-year-old soldier, who was based at Linton Military Camp.

The soldier, who has name suppression, will face a court martial.

He faces 17 charges (some of which are alternative charges):

• Four of espionage;

• Two of attempted espionage;

• Two of possession of an objectionable publication;

• Three of accessing a computer system for a dishonest purpose;

• One of doing an act likely to prejudice Service discipline or bring discredit on the Service;

• One of negligently failing to perform a duty; and

• Four charges of failing to comply with written orders.

The soldier was arrested at the Linton base in December.

It was reported at the time that he was suspected to be a member of a far-right group.

That raised concerns that white supremacists could be infiltrating New Zealand's military.

Extremist group Wargus Christi claimed online that the arrested soldier was part of its organisation, RNZ reported. It described itself as a "martial-monastic Christian brotherhood".

In an internet chat room, members spoke about how the man was removed from the group after news of an investigation.