Chen Jinping utilized Lower Manhattan office to suppress Chinese government dissent. Justice Department combats Beijing’s covert influence.
In a significant development, a man named Chen Jinping has pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn for working as an unauthorized agent of the Chinese government. He was involved in running a police outpost in Lower Manhattan to suppress criticism of Beijing. Chen Jinping, along with another individual named Lu Jianwang, also known as Harry Lu, faced charges for operating the unauthorized Chinese police outpost and failing to register as foreign agents.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Chen Jinping and Lu Jianwang destroyed text messages with their handler at China’s Ministry of Public Security upon learning about an investigation into the outpost. This incident occurred in October 2022 when the FBI conducted a search of the six-story building in Chinatown where the operation was based. During the court proceedings, Chen Jinping confessed, with the help of an interpreter, that he had conspired with others to act as an agent of a foreign government without the necessary registration as legally mandated. On the other hand, Lu Jianwang pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Both individuals hold American citizenship.
The plea entered by Chen Jinping marks the latest effort by the Justice Department to combat covert influence operations by the Chinese government in the United States. The U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn, under the leadership of Breon Peace, has been particularly active in addressing such threats. Peace emphasized the importance of countering foreign governments’ activities that infringe upon the nation’s sovereignty by targeting local diaspora communities.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts to safeguard national security and prevent unauthorized foreign influence in the country. The Justice Department’s initiative aims to tackle clandestine activities carried out by foreign entities, especially those that pose a threat to the United States’ interests. The guilty plea by Chen Jinping serves as a warning to individuals engaging in similar activities and highlights the consequences of violating laws related to foreign agent registration.
The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors is crucial in identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in unauthorized activities on behalf of foreign governments. By holding accountable those who act as unauthorized agents, the government aims to protect national security and uphold the rule of law. The case involving Chen Jinping and Lu Jianwang demonstrates the commitment to combating foreign interference and ensuring transparency in dealings with foreign entities.
The Justice Department’s proactive approach in addressing threats posed by foreign governments reflects a broader strategy to safeguard the country’s interests and prevent undue influence from external sources. By targeting individuals engaged in unauthorized activities on behalf of foreign entities, law enforcement agencies aim to deter similar actions and protect the integrity of the nation’s institutions. The guilty plea entered by Chen Jinping underscores the consequences of violating laws related to foreign agent registration and serves as a deterrent to others contemplating similar actions.
The case involving Chen Jinping and Lu Jianwang highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring and addressing potential threats to national security posed by unauthorized foreign agents. By prosecuting individuals engaged in covert activities on behalf of foreign governments, the Justice Department sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors is crucial in identifying and disrupting unauthorized foreign influence operations, thereby safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and interests.
In conclusion, the guilty plea entered by Chen Jinping in federal court in Brooklyn is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat unauthorized foreign influence in the United States. By holding individuals accountable for acting as unauthorized agents of foreign governments, the Justice Department aims to protect national security and uphold the rule of law. The case serves as a warning to those engaged in similar activities and underscores the consequences of violating laws related to foreign agent registration.
Source: The NY Times
