WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted two foreign nationals in a sweeping case that involves both attempted repression of free speech on U.S. soil and an alleged scheme to smuggle American military technology to China.
The individuals charged are Cui Guanghai, 43, a Chinese national, and John Miller, 63, a British citizen and lawful permanent U.S. resident. The pair faces charges including interstate stalking, conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act, according to a DOJ statement released Friday.
Authorities say the two men were involved in targeting a U.S.-based critic of the Chinese Communist Party, aiming to silence his political speech while simultaneously plotting to export sensitive defense technology to the Chinese government.
“This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “We will act decisively to expose and dismantle these threats wherever they emerge.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added that the case involves serious national security concerns, stating that the two allegedly sought to intimidate a political dissenter and also engaged in efforts to illegally procure and send military-related technology to China.
The FBI emphasized that the rights of Americans—particularly the right to free expression—are non-negotiable, regardless of foreign pressure.
The case also arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of the FBI itself. FBI Director Kash Patel and Bongino have recently vowed to overhaul the Bureau’s public image, citing concerns over its past handling of politically sensitive investigations, including the Trump-Russia probe and issues related to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Patel, speaking on Fox News, claimed the FBI had long shielded certain political figures, and said the Bureau is now entering a “wave of transparency.”
“We’re beginning the long process of restoring public trust,” Patel said, emphasizing that internal reforms are underway to prevent further politicization.
The DOJ said both Cui and Miller could face lengthy prison terms if convicted. The investigation remains ongoing.
