A man from New York City has admitted to operating a covert Chinese police station in Manhattan’s Chinatown. The case has raised concerns about foreign influence and local safety.
On December 18, 2024, Chen Jinping, aged 60, pleaded guilty to conspiring to be an agent for the Chinese government, as confirmed by Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. This incident emphasizes the ongoing challenge the United States faces with foreign governments meddling in domestic affairs, particularly targeting communities of diaspora living in the country.
Peace noted, “My office’s priority has been to counteract the harmful actions of foreign governments that violate our sovereignty by targeting local communities.” He underscored the severity of the situation, saying, “Today, a participant in a transnational repression scheme has pleaded guilty. They worked to create a secret police station in New York City for the Chinese national police force.” His comments signal a commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals who have fled authoritarian regimes.
Chen and his cohort, Lu Jianwang, aged 61, were implicated in this illicit operation, which involved the establishment of what is reported to be the first known overseas police station set up by China in the U.S. This station reportedly operated from the top level of a business building in Chinatown until it was shut down in late 2022.
Court documents reveal that the two men acted as agents for the Chinese government and allegedly destroyed evidence that could link them to officials at the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. While Chen has admitted guilt, Lu has not entered a plea and is awaiting trial.
In his court appearance, Chen confessed that he knowingly agreed to act as a foreign agent without informing the Attorney General or registering as a foreign agent. “I was not registered as a foreign agent,” he stated through an interpreter, reflecting an acknowledgment of the seriousness of his actions.
The FBI conducted a search of the illegal station in October 2022, seizing electronic devices and interviewing the two men. Following their investigation, authorities claimed that the pair attempted to erase their communications with officials from the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, presumably to hide their activities after they learned of the investigation.
Reports indicate that Lu was involved in efforts to assist Chinese security forces in locating dissidents residing in the United States, further highlighting the risks posed not only to individual safety but also to community stability at large. Concerns regarding targeted harassment of specific groups serve as a grave reminder of the importance of safeguarding American liberties.
Chen Jinping is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30, 2025, while Lu Jianwang’s case continues to unfold in court. Both men’s actions stand as a stark reminder of the consequences when foreign influence breaches the sovereignty of the United States.
This case underscores the need for increased vigilance against foreign interference in American civil matters. Citizens must remain aware and informed about such issues, as questionable international involvement can have serious implications for freedom and safety in local communities. As this situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how the judicial system addresses the activities of individuals like Chen and Lu, who compromise the values and principles that many immigrants seek when they come to America. The hope remains that justice will serve as a safeguard against the encroachment of foreign powers within our borders.
