An American citizen, Chen Jinping, has pleaded guilty to charges of operating a secret police station on behalf of the Chinese government in Manhattan’s Chinatown, prosecutors announced. The station, established in early 2022, was reportedly part of China’s Ministry of Public Security’s (MPS) efforts to monitor Chinese nationals abroad, according to the BBC.
The secret police station, located above a ramen restaurant, initially offered administrative services such as renewing Chinese driver’s licenses. However, federal authorities revealed that it also played a role in identifying pro-democracy activists living in the United States, raising serious concerns about Beijing’s alleged influence abroad.
This station was one of at least 100 such outposts reportedly set up by China in 53 countries. Human rights organizations have accused Beijing of using these facilities to intimidate and surveil Chinese nationals overseas. China, however, has denied these allegations, claiming the stations are merely “service centers.”
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The FBI launched an investigation in 2022, leading to the station’s closure that autumn. Prosecutors stated that Chen, along with co-defendant Lu Jianwang, attempted to destroy evidence, including text messages exchanged with MPS officials.
Chen now faces up to five years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for next year.
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