Two Chinese nationals have received prison sentences in the United States after admitting to spying for Beijing. The men attempted to recruit US military personnel to provide sensitive information, according to court proceedings.
Liren Lai and Yuance Chen will each serve 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Both pleaded guilty to acting on orders from China’s Ministry of State Security.
How the Chinese Nationals Carried Out the Espionage Scheme
The US Department of Justice said the men conducted covert intelligence activities across the country. Their operations included arranging secret cash payments in exchange for information concerning US national security.
In addition, they collected information about American military personnel and installations. They also attempted to recruit intelligence sources from within the US military, raising concerns about potential access to sensitive information.
The investigation found that their activities involved so-called “dead drop” payments, through which money could be exchanged secretly. The men allegedly used these arrangements while working on behalf of Chinese intelligence officials.
How Lai and Chen Became Involved
Lai initially recruited Chen into the operation and acted as an intermediary between him and Chinese intelligence officers. However, Chen eventually began receiving instructions directly from his handler.
Lai had entered the United States on a tourist visa, while Chen held permanent resident status. According to the Justice Department, both men had been working since at least May 2021 for China’s intelligence and counterintelligence branch.
Authorities said the operation involved efforts to develop intelligence assets within the US military. However, the publicly described activities focused on gathering information and attempting to recruit personnel.
FBI Issues Warning After Sentencing
The FBI welcomed the sentences, warning against attempts to compromise American national security through espionage.
“Let this sentencing serve as a clear warning: If you attempt to jeopardize the safety and security of our service members, our citizens, or our nation, justice will find you,” said Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division.
The statement underscored the seriousness with which US authorities treat intelligence operations targeting military personnel and facilities.
Arrests and Guilty Pleas
Authorities arrested Lai and Chen in June 2025. Both men later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as agents of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General.
They also admitted acting as agents of a foreign government without the required notification. Following their guilty pleas, the court imposed 30-month prison terms and three years of supervised release.
The case highlights US efforts to counter foreign intelligence activities, particularly operations targeting military personnel and national security information.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
