Two Chinese nationals convicted of operating as unregistered intelligence agents have been sentenced to prison terms in California following a federal prosecution. The U.S. Justice Department announced the sentencing on Friday, detailing the defendants’ collaboration with China’s primary civilian intelligence and security agency, the Ministry of State Security.
The case underscores ongoing federal efforts to counter covert foreign influence operations and unauthorized intelligence gathering within the United States. Federal prosecutors established that both individuals engaged in activities directed by foreign handlers without notifying the U.S. Attorney General, as required by federal law for individuals acting on behalf of foreign governments.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the operation highlights the persistent reach of foreign intelligence services targeting individuals and communities within the United States. Further details regarding the specific length of the prison sentences and the exact nature of the espionage activities were outlined in court documents filed in the federal district court in California.
