Secret Chinese Police Station Exposed in NYC

An American citizen, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty to operating a secret Chinese police station in Manhattan's Chinatown. This station, active in early 2022, allegedly aided the Chinese government in identifying and monitoring pro-democracy activists in the US.

Key Details:

• The station, located above a ramen shop, offered services like driver's license renewals but also served as a tool for surveillance and intimidation.
• Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen described the operation as a direct threat to US sovereignty.
• The station was shut down in the fall of 2022 following an FBI investigation. Chen and his co-defendant, Lu Jianwang, destroyed incriminating text messages during the probe.
• Chen faces up to five years in prison. Lu has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.
• This case marks the first time the US has brought criminal charges related to such overseas police outposts.
• The FBI stated that they will continue pursuing anyone attempting to expand China's repressive influence in the US. This incident follows other charges against individuals accused of aiding the Chinese government and harassing dissidents within the US.

This case highlights concerns about foreign interference and the suppression of dissent within the United States.