One of the suspects implicated in operating a covert Chinese police station in lower Manhattan has admitted guilt.
Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping, who were accused by prosecutors last year, allegedly worked on behalf of China’s Ministry of Public Security, violating the Espionage Act.
Chen, who was charged with conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government, entered a guilty plea on Wednesday. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30, 2025. On the other hand, Lu has pleaded not guilty and is currently awaiting trial.
The FBI referred to the case as an illustration of China’s bold actions on U.S. soil when it was charged in April 2023.
According to federal prosecutors in Brooklyn, the location in Chinatown, which was believed to be a nonprofit organization assisting Chinese-Americans, is now suspected of having a more sinister purpose.
Chinese counterintelligence operatives established a secret police station aimed at harassing and intimidating dissidents residing in the United States, according to prosecutors.
“We have received a guilty plea from an individual involved in a transnational repression scheme. This person was responsible for setting up a secret police station in the heart of New York City on behalf of the national police force of the People’s Republic of China.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized our commitment to safeguard the rights of those who seek refuge in our country to escape the oppressive tactics employed by authoritarian regimes.”