It was not until a photo of Doze Niu and Cao Yu (L) aboard battleship was released recently that authorities realized Cao had used fake ID. [China.org.cn]

A Chinese mainland photographer was discovered Thursday by the Taiwanese navy to have falsely identified himself as Taiwanese while photographing locations for a film production in the province.

Taiwan's navy command said it had already terminated their support for the film production and that it had handed the case over to the justice authority for further investigation.

The photographer, Cao Yu, is the husband of famous mainland actress Yao Chen. Though Cao had already returned to the mainland when the navy discovered his deception, he may still be prosecuted if Taiwan authorities so choose.

According to local reports, Cao accompanied Taiwan director Doze Niu to Taiwan, where the director was scheduled to begin shooting his latest film, "Playground in the Arm," in August. While in Taiwan, Cao reportedly used false identification to board a warship in Tsoying Harbor June 1, while selecting and surveying film locations.

The use of false identification violated a prior agreement between the director and the navy, as well as pre-established regulations for mainlanders doing business in Taiwan, according to a press release from Taiwan's navy command. Cao's actions were also dishonest and threatened security, said the press release.

Cao will be subpoenaed by Taiwan authorities, and, if he ignores the subpoena, a warrant will be issued for his arrest. Such a warrant would be valid for twenty years.

Taiwan authorities may also choose to prosecute Doze Niu and the movie company. If convicted, Niu could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison.

The navy said that it has responded positively to the government's efforts to boost Taiwan's cultural and creative industries, but that they now regret the film agreement. The command requested the whole army enhance its sentry gate security to ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future.

Niu applied for military assistance for the film, via the movie company, in February, but the authorities refused Cao's entry to the military facilities. It was not until a photo of Niu and Cao aboard battleship was released recently that authorities realized Cao had used fake ID. Some Taiwan lawyers and legal observers have expressed doubt that the case will see trial, however, saying that though the navy is angry, Taiwan authorities may not want to escalate the situation.

Cao has previously done cinematography for director Lu Chuan's films "Kekexili: Mountain Patrol" and "City of Life and Death," both of which won Taiwan's Golden Horse Award at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival.

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