Two foreign nationals have been charged in a scheme to smuggle U.S. military equipment and technology, including missiles, into China, according to the Justice Department. This crackdown aligns with efforts from the Trump administration to enhance visa vetting for foreigners, particularly those from China.
Cui Guanghai, a 43-year-old from China, and John Miller, a 63-year-old from the United Kingdom, face serious charges, including smuggling, conspiracy, and violating the Arms Export Control Act. Prosecutors allege that Cui was acting on behalf of the Chinese government.
Court documents reveal that starting in November 2023, Cui and Miller sought to acquire military equipment such as missiles, drones, and cryptographic devices. They coordinated with two individuals who were secretly working with the FBI to export the device to China.
The two men allegedly tried to hide the cryptographic device in household items to avoid detection and even paid a $10,000 deposit. Furthermore, they reportedly attempted to silence a U.S. citizen critical of Chinese President Xi Jinping by surveilling and threatening him.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described these actions as a direct attack on U.S. national security and free speech. He emphasized that such attempts at foreign repression will not be tolerated on American soil.
Cui and Miller were arrested in Serbia in April and are awaiting extradition to the U.S. If found guilty, they could face substantial prison time, with possible sentences stacking up to several decades for their various offenses.
Meanwhile, the State Department has announced plans to revise visa criteria for applicants from China and Hong Kong to bolster national security. This ongoing effort underscores the necessity of protecting American interests from foreign influence and threats.
