Feds say US citizen gathered information on American targets for Chinese Communist Party Thomas Weir Pauken II, an American citizen, pleaded guilty to acting as an agent for Chinese intelligence operatives, gathering information on U.S. targets and attempting to penetrate American political circles. He allegedly received over $100,000 for his work and made multiple trips between China and the U.S. over several years. The FBI emphasized this case highlights China’s extensive efforts to collect intelligence and influence activities within the U.S.

• Thomas Weir Pauken II, 50, pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of the People’s Republic of China without notifying the attorney general.
• Pauken admitted to gathering intelligence on U.S. targets and reporting it back to Chinese intelligence handlers.
• He attempted to infiltrate U.S. political circles at the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security.
• Pauken acted as an intermediary, facilitating communications and relaying information between Chinese contacts and individuals in the U.S.
• He allegedly received over $100,000 for his efforts and made repeated trips between China and the U.S.
• Pauken provided information to a group in Wuhan seeking insights into American technology and the Justice Department.
• He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.