Chinese citizen who enlisted in US Army Reserves accused of spying, helping recruit engineers
Ji Chaoqun allegedly researched eight naturalised American citizens who were born in Taiwan or China, according to authorities
A Chinese citizen was arrested in Chicago on Tuesday on charges that he covertly worked for a high-ranking Chinese intelligence official to help try and recruit engineers and scientists, including some who worked as US defence contractors, the Justice Department said.
Ji Chaoqun first came to the United States in 2013 to study electrical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and in 2016 enlisted in the US Army Reserves.
The 27-year-old was charged with one count of knowingly acting as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the US Attorney General.
Ji made an initial appearance in federal court in downtown Chicago, looking tired and fidgeting as he stood before US Magistrate Judge Michael T. Mason.
Ji huddled with a Chinese-language interpreter for much of the 15-minute hearing.
But when the judge asked if he understood his rights, Ji lifted his head and said in English, “I understand.”