An American man confessed to collaborating with Chinese intelligence officials for years. He admitted to gathering intelligence on U.S. targets and trying to access American political circles, according to federal authorities.
Details of the Guilty Plea
Thomas Weir Pauken II, 50, pled guilty last Thursday to acting as an agent of the People’s Republic of China inside the United States without informing the attorney general, the Department of Justice revealed. The FBI highlighted the extent of efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to gather intelligence and influence actions within the U.S.
“By his own admission, not only did Thomas Pauken attempt to infiltrate U.S. political circles at the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security, but he gathered intelligence on his American targets and reported it back to his Chinese intelligence handlers,” said FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky.
Activities and Compensation
According to federal prosecutors, Pauken maintained ties with several contacts in China. They tasked him with identifying and nurturing individuals in the U.S. who could provide valuable information to Chinese intelligence.
Pauken operated as a go-between for these contacts and people in the U.S., enabling communication and transmitting information gathered from his targets. Authorities allege he received over $100,000 for his efforts and frequently traveled between China and the U.S. over several years for the operation.
Broader Implications and Reactions
Prosecutors also mentioned Pauken prepared research and reports for other China-based contacts, which he believed were linked to the Chinese government. Investigators stated that he provided information to a group in Wuhan seeking American technology insights. This group also aimed to locate expertise to support cyber operations.
The FBI stressed the ongoing targeting of American institutions by foreign intelligence services. Rozhavsky emphasized the case’s illustration of the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to undermine U.S. democratic institutions and hinder political freedoms.
“This case illustrates the lengths to which the Chinese Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions and degrade our political freedoms, but it also demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to defend the homeland from threats to our national security,” Rozhavsky added. “Let this plea serve as a clear warning: If you attempt to help a foreign adversary as an unregistered agent in the U.S., the FBI will find you and bring you to justice.”
Upcoming Sentencing
Pauken’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 1. He could face a maximum punishment of 10 years in federal prison, with the final sentence being determined by a judge.
The FBI’s Philadelphia and Washington field offices conducted the investigation for this case.