U.S. Citizen Guilty of Acting as Chinese Agent

An American citizen has admitted to working with Chinese intelligence operatives for several years, assisting in gathering information on targets within the U.S., and attempting to infiltrate American political circles. This information was revealed by federal authorities.

Thomas Weir Pauken II, aged 50, pleaded guilty on Thursday to operating in the U.S. as an agent of the People’s Republic of China without notifying the attorney general, as announced by the Department of Justice.

The FBI issued a warning, highlighting the extent to which the Chinese Communist Party is willing to go to collect intelligence and influence activities within the U.S. According to FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky, Pauken admitted to trying to penetrate U.S. political circles under the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security. He gathered intelligence on American targets and reported back to his Chinese handlers.

“Not only did Thomas Pauken attempt to infiltrate U.S. political circles, he gathered intelligence on his American targets,” said Rozhavsky.

Federal prosecutors reported that Pauken maintained connections with several China-based contacts. These contacts tasked him with identifying and cultivating individuals in the U.S. who could provide valuable information to Chinese intelligence services.

Court documents indicated Pauken acted as a liaison between these contacts and U.S.-based individuals, facilitating communication and relaying information gathered from his targets. He allegedly received over $100,000 for his work and traveled from China to the U.S. numerous times over the years as part of his operations.

Pauken additionally prepared research and reports for other connections he believed were linked to the Chinese government. Investigators claimed he provided information to a Wuhan-based group interested in American technology and the Justice Department, also seeking cyber operations expertise.

Assistant Director Rozhavsky emphasized the persistent targeting of American institutions by foreign intelligence services. He stated that this case demonstrates the lengths to which the Chinese Communist Party would go to undermine democratic institutions, but also highlights the FBI’s commitment to protecting national security.

“This case illustrates the lengths to which the Chinese Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions,” Rozhavsky added. “The FBI will defend the homeland from threats to our national security.”

Pauken’s sentencing is set for September 1, where he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. However, his final sentence will be determined by a judge.

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Philadelphia and Washington field offices.