An executive of a Xiamen-based garment company has been fined 250,000 yuan ($40,289) for leaking trade secrets, local newspaper Strait Herald reported on Wednesday.

A research and development director surnamed Chen, who has been working with the company for a year, was found passing designs of lingerie that would become part of the company's new range to a business rival via e-mail.

Chen also shared other details, including pricing and the company's autumn and winter design plans.

The company bosses were surprised such a high-ranking executive, who earns more than 250,000 yuan a year, would leak such information.

The Siming district court of Xiamen recently fined Chen and terminated labor relations between him and the company.

sunli@chinadaily.com.cn