Former Fed adviser John Rogers charged with espionage for China
- John Harold Rogers, a former senior adviser at the Federal Reserve, has been indicted for conspiring with Chinese officials to steal economic data.
- The indictment claims he began these activities in 2018 and exploited his position to access confidential information.
- Rogers' case highlights ongoing concerns about foreign espionage efforts targeting U.S. financial institutions and national security.
In a significant breach of national security, John Harold Rogers, a former senior adviser at the Federal Reserve, has been implicated in an extensive espionage operation. Over a period of approximately seven years, from 2018 until early 2025, Rogers allegedly colluded with Chinese officials, helping them acquire sensitive economic information from the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors and the Open Market Committee. These activities reportedly included the transmission of crucial economic data sets, briefing documents, and information regarding U.S. monetary policy and trade tariffs. Rogers, aged 63, has been accused of exploiting his positioned access to confidential information, which he misused while serving as a part-time professor at a Chinese university, a role authorities claim was leveraged to facilitate these activities. The FBI and Federal Reserve Inspector General discovered the compromise through a detailed investigation, which ultimately led to Rogers' arrest on January 31, 2025, in Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney Edward Martin emphasized the importance of the case, stating it should serve as a warning to those who attempt to exploit U.S. assets for foreign intelligence. Rogers faces severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and a potential fine of $5 million. The implications of this case extend beyond Rogers himself, shedding light on broader concerns regarding espionage attempts aimed at undermining U.S. economic stability, particularly from foreign adversaries like China.