Two foreign nationals, Cui Guanghai of China and John Miller of the United Kingdom, have been charged by the U.S. Justice Department for their involvement in a scheme to smuggle U.S. military equipment, including missiles, into China. The indictment, released Friday, outlines a detailed plot involving espionage, technological theft, and threats to national security. The case has drawn significant attention due to its ties to the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten visa screening processes for individuals from China and Hong Kong.
Pursuant to the indictment, Cui Guanghai, 43, and John Miller, 63, are accused of conspiring to procure sensitive U.S. military technology, including cryptographic devices, air defense radars, drones, and missiles. Prosecutors allege that Cui was acting on behalf of the Chinese government, while Miller facilitated the scheme as a permanent resident of the U.S. Court documents reveal that the defendants began their operations in November 2023, with plans to export the cryptographic device to China. According to the charges, they discussed potential methods to conceal the device, such as hiding it in a blender, small electronics, or a motor starter, in order to evade detection. A $10,000 deposit was reportedly paid for the device, according to the Justice Department.
The indictment also details a separate plot involving a U.S. citizen who had publicly criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping for his activities at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November 2023. Cui and Miller allegedly coordinated with two individuals to surveil the citizen, install a tracking device on their car, and attempt to destroy an artwork they had created of President Xi and his wife. The U.S. Justice Department clarified that the individuals recruited by Cui and Miller were actually working in tandem with the FBI, making the operation an FBI sting operation.
Cui and Miller were arrested in Serbia in April and are currently held there under the request of the U.S. government. The Justice Department has indicated that it is working closely with the Serbian government to facilitate their extradition. If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences of up to 20 years for violating the Arms Export Control Act, with additional charges for smuggling, interstate stalking, and conspiracy. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the significance of the case, stating that it represents a direct threat to both national security and democratic values. He condemned the defendants’ actions as an assault on U.S. sovereignty and expressed the government’s determination to prevent foreign interference.
The case is part of a larger trend of increased scrutiny over foreign nationals and visa applicants from China. Recently, the Trump administration has introduced measures to enhance the vetting process, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing plans to