Federal grand juries in Los Angeles and Milwaukee have indicted two foreign nationals, Cui Guanghai from China and John Miller from the United Kingdom, for alleged interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit interstate stalking. The charges also include conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act. These indictments were announced by the Justice Department.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “As alleged, the defendants targeted a U.S. resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime.” He emphasized that such actions threaten national security and democratic values.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added that the defendants allegedly plotted against an individual who criticized China’s government while trying to export sensitive U.S. military technology to China. He commended the FBI’s efforts in stopping these activities.
The case in Los Angeles involves Cui and Miller recruiting individuals within the U.S. to prevent a victim from protesting at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November 2023. The victim had publicly opposed policies of China’s government and President Xi Jinping.
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for California stated, “The indictment alleges that Chinese foreign actors targeted a victim in our nation because he criticized the Chinese government and its president.” FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis noted that both defendants face serious charges for targeting a critic of China with violence.
In Milwaukee, Cui and Miller are accused of attempting to procure U.S. defense articles for unlawful export to China since November 2023. They allegedly discussed concealing a cryptographic device for shipment first to Hong Kong.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. If convicted, Cui and Miller could face significant prison sentences: five years each for conspiracy and interstate stalking; 20 years for violating the Arms Export Control Act; and 10 years for smuggling.
The FBI is leading this investigation with coordination from Serbian authorities regarding potential extraditions of Cui and Miller from Serbia. Prosecutors involved include Assistant United States Attorneys David Ryan, Amanda B. Elbogen, Benjamin Taibleson, Leslie Esbrook, Menno Goedman, along with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
