Two Chinese Individuals Charged for Acting as Agents of the Chinese Government

Accusations Against Two Chinese Citizens for Acting as Agents of China

The Ministry of Justice (DOJ) announced on Tuesday that it has charged two individuals, Yang Schen, a Chinese national, and Lilen “Ryan” Lai, a legal permanent resident, for allegedly acting as agents of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

According to the DOJ, both individuals were reportedly involved in gathering information on U.S. Navy personnel and military installations. They are accused of collaborating with the Ministry of State Security (MSS) in what the DOJ described as an effort to facilitate the collection of private information for the PRC.

They were arrested by the FBI on June 27, 2025, under various criminal charges. These allegations include facilitating cash payments for sensitive U.S. national security information already shared with the MSS, collecting data on U.S. Navy members and facilities, and trying to recruit others from the U.S. military as potential assets for the MSS.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that these two individuals were allegedly seeking to recruit U.S. military personnel for the PRC. He remarked, “The Chinese Communist Party thought they could operate undetected in the U.S. and use tactics like deaddrops to pay informants.” He described the arrests as part of a “coordinated effort” and recognized the outstanding work of various FBI offices in this counter-intelligence operation.

Patel asserted the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding national security against China’s extensive efforts to infiltrate U.S. borders.

Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the significance of these developments, stressing that they underscore the persistent and aggressive actions of the Chinese government, which she believes threaten U.S. national security from within. She assured that the DOJ is vigilant, taking measures to expose foreign operatives and protect Americans from hidden threats.

Last month, officials reported the arrest of another Chinese individual charged with smuggling biological materials into the U.S. and making false statements. Patel mentioned that this person was linked to others facing similar allegations.

In October, five Chinese nationals were charged with federal offenses related to lying to federal agents and destroying records following a suspicious visit to a Michigan Army National Guard base in August 2023.