An American man has confessed to collaborating for years with Chinese intelligence, assisting in collecting information on U.S. targets and trying to sway American politics, according to federal authorities.
Thomas Weir Poken II, 50, entered a guilty plea on Thursday for operating on behalf of the People’s Republic of China without alerting the attorney general, as reported by the Department of Justice.
After his plea, the FBI issued a serious warning about the implications of the case, highlighting the extents to which the Chinese Communist Party will go to gather intelligence and influence operations in the U.S.
“Thomas Pauken didn’t just aim to infiltrate U.S. politics under the guidance of China’s Ministry of State Security; he also admitted to collecting intelligence on U.S. targets and sharing it with Chinese officials,” stated FBI Assistant Director Roman Rosavsky.
Federal prosecutors revealed that Pauken built connections with various individuals in China who tasked him with locating and developing contacts in the U.S. capable of supplying valuable information to Chinese intelligence forces.
Documents from the court indicate that Pauken’s role included acting as a go-between for these contacts and American individuals, facilitating discussions and transmitting information gathered from these targets.
Authorities allege that he received over $100,000 for his activities and made multiple trips between China and the U.S. over the years as part of this operation.
Prosecutors also mentioned that Pauken was preparing investigations and reports concerning other contacts in China believed to have ties to the government there.
Additionally, investigators claimed that he provided insight to a group in Wuhan that sought details on U.S. technology and the Department of Justice while looking for skills that could assist cyber operations.
Rozavsky pointed out that this situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by foreign intelligence services to target U.S. agencies.
“This case illustrates the lengths the Chinese Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic foundations and threaten our political freedoms. But it also showcases the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding our nation from threats to national security,” he said. “This plea should be a clear notice: if you’re aiding a foreign adversary as an unregistered agent in the U.S., the FBI will track you down and ensure justice is served.”
Pauken is set to be sentenced on September 1st, facing a potential maximum of 10 years in federal prison, although the final decision will rest with a judge.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Philadelphia and Washington field offices.
