The FBI has accused the pair of working on behalf of China’s Ministry of State Security to gather naval intelligence.
The United States Department of Justice has charged two Chinese citizens for spying and trying to recruit from within the country’s military ranks.
According to Tuesday’s statement, Yuance Chen, 38, and Liren “Ryan” Lai, 39, are accused of working on behalf of China’s foreign intelligence arm, the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The pair allegedly carried out a range of “clandestine intelligence taskings”, including facilitating payments in exchange for national security information, gathering intelligence on Navy bases and attempting to recruit MSS assets.
“This case underscores the Chinese government’s sustained and aggressive effort to infiltrate our military and undermine our national security from within,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
According to an affidavit from the FBI, Lai was part of an MSS network “who could travel more easily” between China and the US “to facilitate clandestine operations”.
Starting around 2021, he began developing Chen, who is a legal permanent resident, into his asset.
