Manhattan man established secret Chinese police station in NYC

A Manhattan man, Chen Jinping, 60, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to act as an agent of the Chinese government by helping establish a secret Chinese police station in New York City. In a Brooklyn federal court, Chen admitted to creating the clandestine station in Manhattan’s Chinatown, which operated from early 2022. Officially, the office assisted Chinese citizens with tasks like renewing driver’s licenses. However, federal authorities allege it also targeted and identified U.S.-based pro-democracy activists.

The station, affiliated with China’s Ministry of Public Security, was shut down in late 2022 following an FBI investigation. Prosecutors revealed that Chen and his co-defendant, Lu Jianwang, attempted to obstruct justice by deleting communications with Chinese officials.

The case is part of broader Justice Department efforts to combat “transnational repression,” where foreign governments intimidate dissidents abroad. Chen faces up to five years in prison at his sentencing in May 2025. Lu, who also allegedly harassed and tracked Chinese dissidents, awaits further court proceedings. China denies using such outposts for police activities, claiming they primarily provide citizen services.

Source: AP News