Federal agents have arrested Yuance Chen and Liren Lai, two Chinese nationals accused of running a covert espionage campaign inside the United States. According to the Department of Justice, both men secretly worked for China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Authorities say Chen and Lai targeted U.S. Navy personnel, gathering intelligence and attempting to recruit active-duty members into a Chinese spy network. Their operation involved surveillance of military bases and exchanging sensitive information.
Investigators uncovered that the men used cash “dead drops” to secretly transfer payments, a classic espionage tactic. They disguised themselves as ordinary civilians to avoid suspicion, with one reportedly entering the U.S. on a tourist visa.
Following months of surveillance, the FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) arrested Chen in Oregon and Lai in Texas. FBI Director Kash Patel described the operation as part of “the Chinese Communist Party’s broader effort to infiltrate and undermine our institutions.”
The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the plot and whether others were involved or compromised.
This case highlights the ongoing silent war on American soil, where espionage and infiltration pose serious national security threats.
Authorities are warning that these operations are sophisticated and relentless, underscoring the need for vigilance within the military and government sectors.
The arrests send a clear message about the U.S. commitment to counter foreign espionage efforts.
As this investigation continues, more details may emerge, shedding light on how deep such spy networks can run inside the country.
