Activist accused of spying for China

Washington — Federal prosecutors in New York have charged a Chinese dissident residing in the U.S. with espionage, alleging he covertly collaborated with China's Ministry of State Security. According to a criminal complaint obtained by CBS News, the dissident, identified as Tang, reportedly agreed to work for the Chinese intelligence agency to facilitate communication with his family in mainland China. The complaint details how Tang was allegedly tasked with gathering information on pro-democracy activists and events. Court documents reveal that Tang provided intelligence on events commemorating the Tiananmen Square massacre in 2021 and shared details about a Congressional candidate's campaign, who is also a Chinese dissident. Investigators noted that Tang monitored a group chat of approximately 140 members, including prominent dissidents, further implicating him in espionage activities. The FBI's investigation included an interview with Tang in July 2023, during which agents seized data from multiple devices, revealing text and audio exchanges with a Chinese intelligence officer. Notably, one message from the officer urged Tang to prioritize sending new information. Tang allegedly traveled to China or Macau multiple times between 2019 and 2023 for meetings with the intelligence officer. Prosecutors assert that he failed to disclose his work for the Chinese agency to U.S. authorities, leading to his arrest on Wednesday. This case is part of a broader trend, as the Justice Department has pursued several individuals linked to transnational repression efforts against dissidents in the U.S.