Kathrine Frich
Surveillance photos, video, and personnel data were allegedly funneled back to Beijing.
Surveillance photos, video, and personnel data were allegedly funneled back to Beijing.
US Charges Two Chinese Citizens with Espionage
The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed a federal case accusing two Chinese citizens of spying for Beijing.
The indictment reveals a troubling pattern of alleged intelligence-gathering activities aimed at U.S. military facilities and personnel.
Surveillance of US Navy Bases
According to court documents, the accused, Yuance Chen and Liren “Ryan” Lai, photographed sensitive military sites, including a Navy base in Washington state and a recruitment station in California.
Prosecutors believe this surveillance was conducted for Chinese intelligence.
Attempts to Recruit US Military Members
One of the most concerning allegations is that the pair attempted to identify and recruit U.S. Navy personnel to work for China.
Chen is said to have obtained photos and background information of recent Navy recruits, many of whom were of Chinese descent.
Secret Payments and Covert Missions
The indictment describes an unsuccessful attempt to deliver $10,000 in cash to another operative under China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The FBI believes Lai was actively grooming Chen to become a full-fledged spy for Beijing since at least 2021.
Visa Holder Turned Suspected Agent
Yuance Chen, 38, entered the U.S. on a visa in 2015 and later became a permanent resident.
Prosecutors say he operated inside the country on behalf of the MSS while failing to register as a foreign agent, a federal legal requirement.
Mastermind Operating from China
Liren Lai, 39, is believed to reside in China but entered the U.S. via Texas in 2024 to oversee espionage operations.
He reportedly coordinated missions and attempted to run agents on American soil, a serious escalation in foreign intelligence activity.
DOJ Slams “Aggressive” Chinese Infiltration
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the case as part of a broader, “sustained and aggressive” Chinese effort to penetrate U.S. military institutions.
“We will expose foreign agents, hold them accountable, and protect Americans,” she said.
FBI: Evidence Points to Long-Term Planning
The FBI affidavit suggests the espionage scheme had been in the works for years, with multiple operations coordinated between the suspects and handlers in China.
Surveillance photos, video, and personnel data were allegedly funneled back to Beijing.
