US Ministry of Justice: Two Chinese for espionage for Beijing charged

US Ministry of Justice: Two Chinese for espionage for Beijing charged

Two Chinese citizens were charged with having spy on behalf of Beijings inside the United States. This includes taking pictures of a naval base, the coordination of a cash screen drop and participation in efforts to recruit members of the military, from which they could be ready to work for the Chinese secret service.

Details for charges

The case that submitted in san francisco has been published, the latest indictment of the Ministry of Justice against what civil servants describe as active efforts by the Chinese government to secretly collect information about the US military skills. This procedure was revealed in an alarming way two years ago by starting a surveillance balloon on the part of China, which the US official ultimately shot over the coast of South Carolina.

explanations of government representatives

"This case shows the persistent and aggressive attempt by the Chinese government to penetrate our military and undermine our national security from the inside," said Attorney General Pam Bondi in a message. "The Ministry of Justice will not stand by and that enemy nations use spies in our country - we will expose foreign surgeons, take their agents into account and protect the American population from hidden threats to our national security."

the accused

The two defendants were identified as Yuance Chen, 38, and Liren "Ryan" Lai, 39. Chen came to the USA in 2015 and later became a lawful permanent resident. Lai, who supposedly lives in China, traveled to Texas last spring to monitor secret spy operations on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS).

allegations and investigations

The two were charged with the secret support of China without being registered with the Ministry of Justice as a foreign agent. It was immediately unclear whether they claimed legal assistance. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to an inquiry. According to an FBI declaration, the investigators assume that Lai chen has been building up as a asset for the Chinese secret service since at least mid-2021.

espionage activities

The coordination of a dead drop of at least $ 10,000 in cash was one person who acted on behalf of the MSS. They are also said to have observed a recruitment point of the Navy in California and a naval base in the state of Washington. This was done through photographs and videos that investigators accept to have been sent to the Chinese secret service.

recruitment of marine soldiers

The authorities report that Lai and Chen also spoke about the recruitment of marine soldiers to work for China, with Chen taking photographs of names and homoing recruited soldiers while visiting a naval facility. Many of these soldiers stated China as a hometown, and the investigators believe that this information was sent to China, according to the FBI declaration.

part of major efforts

This case is just one of many processes that deal with the procurement of information by Chinese secret services, especially with regard to the military. Last year, five Chinese citizens who lied and tried to blur their traces were confronted in Michigan near a remote military location, where thousands had gathered for summer exercises. In addition, in 2023, two marine soldiers were charged with sensitive military information to China, including details on war exercises, naval operations and critical technical materials.