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.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
