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US citizen convicted of running secret Chinese 'police station' in NYC

May 14, 2026

A New York jury has convicted Lu Jianwang, a 64-year-old US citizen, for operating what prosecutors describe as China's first secret police station on American soil in Manhattan's Chinatown during 2022. Lu was found guilty of illegally acting as an agent for China's Ministry of Public Security and obstructing justice by destroying evidence when federal investigators began probing the operation. The station, located above a ramen restaurant, was one of approximately 100 similar outposts that human rights organizations claim China has established in 53 countries to monitor dissidents and pro-democracy activists abroad, though Beijing maintains these facilities merely provide administrative services to Chinese nationals.

Who is affected

  • Lu Jianwang (convicted defendant)
  • Chen Jinping (co-defendant who pleaded guilty)
  • Chinese dissidents in the US
  • Pro-democracy activists of Chinese origin living in America
  • Chinese nationals living abroad
  • A California mayor (charged with acting as an illegal agent of China)

What action is being taken

  • Lu Jianwang is facing sentencing for his conviction
  • Chen Jinping is awaiting sentencing after his guilty plea

Why it matters

  • This case represents the first known conviction related to a secret Chinese police station operating on US soil, exposing Beijing's alleged efforts to extend surveillance and intimidation tactics against dissidents and activists beyond China's borders. The conviction demonstrates that foreign governments cannot operate clandestine law enforcement facilities in the United States to advance their political agendas and target individuals exercising protected freedoms. With approximately 100 such stations reportedly operating across 53 countries, this case highlights a broader pattern of transnational repression that threatens the safety and rights of Chinese nationals and democracy advocates living abroad.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC