A British man has been indicted for allegedly attempting to smuggle US military technology to China and orchestrating the stalking and harassment of a Beijing critic.
John Miller, 63, along with Cui Guanghai, 43, of China, and an unidentified US permanent resident, were indicted on Friday by federal grand juries in Milwaukee and Los Angeles.
The Department of Justice stated that they have been charged with interstate stalking, conspiracy to commit interstate stalking, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche remarked: «As alleged, the defendants targeted a US resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime.»
«This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values.»
«The defendants purportedly schemed to harass and disrupt an individual who criticized the actions of the People’s Republic of China while exercising their constitutionally protected free speech rights within the United States of America,» added FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
The indictment reveals that the pair placed a tracking device on the victim’s car and slashed its tires.
They are also accused of purchasing and destroying artistic statues created by the victim depicting President Xi and President Xi’s wife.
Cui and Miller allegedly paid two other individuals approximately $36,500 (£27,100) to persuade the victim to cease displaying his statues online, according to the indictment.
If convicted, Cui and Miller could face the following maximum penalties: five years in prison for conspiracy, five years in prison for interstate stalking, 20 years in prison for violating the Arms Export Control Act, and 10 years in prison for smuggling.
The two men are currently in Serbia, and the US is collaborating with Serbian officials on extradition proceedings.
A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office stated: «We are offering consular assistance to a British national following his arrest in Serbia in April and are in contact with the local authorities and his family.»