Federal grand juries in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Los Angeles, California, have indicted two foreign nationals on charges related to interstate stalking and conspiracy to procure sensitive U.S. military technology. The accused are Cui Guanghai from China and John Miller from the United Kingdom, who is also a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
According to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, "As alleged, the defendants targeted a U.S. resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime." He emphasized that such actions are an assault on national security and democratic values.
The FBI's Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that the defendants allegedly interfered with an individual who criticized China's government while also attempting to export sensitive military technology. "I want to commend the good work of the FBI and our partners in the U.S. and overseas in putting a stop to these illegal activities," he said.
In Wisconsin, court documents reveal that since November 2023, Miller and Cui sought U.S. defense articles for unlawful export to China. They allegedly discussed methods of concealing a cryptographic device for shipment first to Hong Kong and paid $10,000 as a deposit for this device.
In California, beginning October 2023, Cui and Miller allegedly plotted against a victim planning to protest President Xi Jinping at an international summit. According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for California's Central District: "The indictment alleges that Chinese foreign actors targeted a victim in our nation because he criticized the Chinese government and its president."
Cui and Miller reportedly coordinated efforts including surveillance of the victim, installation of tracking devices on their car, vandalism of property, and destruction of artistic statues depicting President Xi.
Both accused face severe penalties if convicted: five years each for conspiracy and interstate stalking; twenty years for violating the Arms Export Control Act; ten years for smuggling.
The investigation is being led by the FBI with cooperation from Serbian authorities regarding pending extraditions of Cui and Miller in Serbia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from both districts along with trial attorneys from the National Security Division are prosecuting these cases.
An indictment serves as an allegation only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
