Chinese Agent Pleads Guilty to Operating Illegal Police Station in the U.S.

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A Manhattan man’s guilty plea exposes China’s secret police station in New York, raising alarms about foreign interference on American soil.

At a Glance

Chen Jinping pleads guilty to running an undeclared Chinese police station in New York.
The operation was part of a campaign to monitor and harass US-based dissidents.
Chen faces up to five years in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government.
Similar “police stations” have been discovered in other countries, prompting global concern.

Uncovering China’s Clandestine Operations

In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the national security community, Chen Jinping, a 60-year-old Manhattan resident, has pleaded guilty to operating a secret Chinese police station in New York City. This admission has brought to light the extent of China’s covert activities on American soil, raising serious concerns about national sovereignty and the safety of Chinese dissidents living in the United States.

A New York man has admitted to acting as an illegal Chinese agent by operating a secret police station for Beijing in Manhattan.

Chen Jinping, a 60-year-old U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty on Dec. 18 in front of U.S. District Judge Nina Morrison, a development that prosecutors… pic.twitter.com/pFjwOP2PPJ

— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) December 19, 2024

The clandestine operation, disguised as a facility offering mundane services such as driver’s license renewals, was in fact a hub for monitoring and harassing US-based dissidents. Chen’s guilty plea has exposed the true nature of these outposts, which are believed to be part of a broader Chinese campaign to exert control over its citizens abroad and silence critics of the Communist regime.

Legal Consequences and Government Response

Chen now faces up to five years in prison for conspiring to act as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. This case is part of a larger crackdown on what U.S. officials are calling “transnational repression” efforts by foreign governments, particularly China, to silence dissidents within American borders.

“Today’s guilty plea holds (Chen) accountable for his brazen efforts to operate an undeclared overseas police station on behalf of (China’s) national police force — a clear affront to American sovereignty,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen.

The Department of Justice and FBI have emphasized their commitment to defending against such infringements on American sovereignty. FBI official Robert Wells described the case as “a stark reminder of the insidious efforts taken by the (Chinese) government to threaten, harass, and intimidate those who speak against their Communist Party.”

Global Implications

The discovery of this secret police station in New York is not an isolated incident. Similar outposts have been identified and shut down in Canada and several European countries, indicating a widespread network of Chinese influence operations. These revelations have prompted increased scrutiny of Chinese activities abroad and heightened international tensions.

“This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the PRC in direct violation of American sovereignty,” Matthew Olsen stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

As Chen awaits sentencing, his co-defendant, “Harry” Lu Jianwang, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. The case continues to unfold, shedding light on the complex web of international espionage and the challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting national security while respecting individual freedoms.

A Call for Vigilance

This case serves as a wake-up call for American citizens and policymakers alike. It highlights the need for increased vigilance against foreign interference and the importance of protecting the rights of dissidents and expatriates living in the United States. As the global landscape becomes increasingly complex, the balance between national security and individual liberties remains a critical concern for democratic nations worldwide.

As this story continues to develop, it serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by democratic nations in safeguarding their sovereignty and protecting the freedoms of all individuals within their borders.