In a landmark case exposing alleged covert activities by foreign powers on American soil, a Manhattan resident pleaded guilty to establishing a secret Chinese police station in New York City. The admission by 60-year-old Chen Jinping, made in Brooklyn federal court on Wednesday, highlights growing concerns about transnational repression by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Accused admits guilt in court
Chen Jinping entered a guilty plea to a single count of conspiracy for acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. The charge stems from his role in setting up an unauthorized police station in Manhattan’s Chinatown on behalf of China’s Ministry of Public Security. Prosecutors revealed that Chen and his co-defendant, Lu Jianwang, established the covert outpost in 2022 under the guise of providing basic services like helping Chinese citizens renew driving licenses.
US Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen described the operation as an “audacious” violation of American sovereignty. “This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the PRC in direct violation of American sovereignty,” Olsen said in a statement.
Destruction of evidence
According to court documents, Chen admitted to destroying evidence, including phone records, to conceal his correspondence with Chinese government officials. The destruction took place after the FBI began investigating the Chinatown office earlier this year.
“This illegal police station was not opened in the interest of public safety, but to further the nefarious and repressive aims of the [People’s Republic of China],” FBI Assistant Director James Dennehy emphasized in his remarks.
Chen’s plea underscores the severity of his actions. If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison.
US officials condemn transnational repression
US Attorney Breon Peace issued a strong statement following Chen’s guilty plea, condemning the covert operations of authoritarian regimes targeting individuals in democratic countries.
“Today, a participant in a transnational repression scheme who worked to establish a secret police station in the middle of New York City on behalf of the national police force of the People’s Republic of China has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as an illegal agent,” Peace said.
He added, “We will continue our efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable persons who come to this country to escape the repressive activities of authoritarian regimes.”
China denies allegations
In response to the case, China has repeatedly denied operating such clandestine police stations abroad. Beijing officials maintain that their international law enforcement activities adhere strictly to international laws and respect the sovereignty of host countries.
“There is no so-called Chinese police service stations overseas at all,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said during a briefing in Beijing. She reiterated that China’s law enforcement activities comply with global norms and safeguard the lawful rights of individuals.
However, allegations of similar secret police outposts have emerged in North America, Europe, and other regions with significant Chinese communities, prompting scrutiny from international watchdogs.
A broader pattern
This case has sparked further questions about China’s alleged transnational repression activities. Reports suggest these covert operations aim to monitor, intimidate, or repatriate Chinese nationals living abroad, many of whom fled authoritarian rule for the freedoms offered by democratic nations.
The guilty plea by Chen Jinping sheds light on the broader strategies employed by authoritarian governments to exert influence beyond their borders. As US authorities remain committed to safeguarding the sovereignty of American institutions, this case serves as a stark warning to those engaged in covert activities on behalf of foreign powers.