Ten days ago, the U.S. Congress Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) concluded its last hearing of 2023, shedding light on a pressing concern.
Chaired by Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) and ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Michigan), the committee delved into the topic of Transnational Repression (TNR).
NOTE: IP Probe Blog started coverage of this alarming issue in November 2020.
One of several noteworthy exchanges during the hearing involved Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s inquiry about the utilization of private investigators by the CCP to surveil, harass, and repress the Chinese diaspora in the U.S.
To underscore the issue, he pointed to the conviction of a retired NYPD Sergeant, then working as a private investigator, for assisting in a Chinese repression (a.k.a. Fox Hunt) operation.
The witness acknowledged this as a “serious problem” and referenced the March 2023 joint statement by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center and the FBI titled, “Don’t Be a Pawn of Repressive Foreign Governments.”
In the December 13th, U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) Staff Research Report titled: China’s Global Police State: Background and U.S. Policy Implications, the issue of China’s use of private investigators is noted.
The following is an excerpt from the report under the sub-section: How Beijing Uses Its Intelligence Services to Surveil and Intimidate on U.S. Soil
“China also relies on its civilian intelligence agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS), to surveil and intimidate Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, and other political dissidents living in the United States and other countries.
“The MSS utilizes human intelligence methods, including the deployment of case officers and use of recruited assets, in an effort to track the movements of these communities and harass them.
“In March 2022, two criminal complaints were unsealed by DOJ that involved a direct connection to the MSS.
“In one case, a Chinese citizen named Lin Qiming was charged with conspiracy to commit interstate harassment and is alleged to work on behalf of the MSS.
“The DOJ complaint accuses Lin of attempting to undermine the candidacy of a candidate for a congressional seat in New York’s Eastern District.
“Mr. Lin hired a private investigator to uncover or manufacture damaging information on the candidate…”
FINAL THOUGHT
This recent congressional hearing and the USCC report serve as a crucial reminder for all private investigators to be aware of the growing trend where China and other repressive governments employ PIs to unlawfully investigate foreign-born American citizens and foreign nationals legally residing in the United States.
ADDITIONAL READING
IP Probe Blog: Employment Opportunity for Private Investigators Worldwide
IP Probe Blog: Private Investigators are Routinely Contacted by Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) to Do Their Dirty Work–UPDATE
IP Probe Blog: Private Investigators are Routinely Contacted by Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) to Do Their Dirty Work
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