Chinese man accused of spying, helping recruit US engineers

Associated Press

CHICAGO

A Chinese citizen living in Chicago was arrested Tuesday and accused of spying, including by helping with the recruitment of U.S. engineers, defense contractors and scientists for intelligence services in China, federal prosecutors said.

Ji Chaoqun, 27, is charged with one count of knowingly acting in the U.S. as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification of the attorney general, a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago said. He purportedly worked at the direction of high-ranking intelligence officials with the People’s Republic of China and was given the task of providing information about eight people for possible recruitment.

Ji made an initial appearance in federal court in downtown Chicago. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shoba Pillay said Ji faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted on the one count.