It sounds like something out of a high-stakes political thriller—but it’s real.
Federal prosecutors have just unsealed charges against two foreign nationals who allegedly ran a disturbing campaign of harassment and illegal technology trafficking across the United States, all with deep ties to China.
Who Are the Accused?
The two men at the center of the case are Cui Guanghai, 43, a Chinese national, and John Miller, 63, a dual national from the UK who also holds lawful permanent resident status in the U.S.
According to federal grand juries in Milwaukee and Los Angeles, the two are facing a slew of serious charges: conspiracy, smuggling, interstate stalking, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act.
Prosecutors Say the Plot Was About Silencing a Critic
What makes this case particularly alarming is that Cui and Miller weren’t just dabbling in espionage—they allegedly tried to intimidate a U.S. resident who was outspoken against the Chinese government and its leader, President Xi Jinping.
“This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who emphasized that the Justice Department won’t sit back while foreign powers try to repress free speech on U.S. soil or exploit American defense systems.
Stalking and Harassment Ahead of the APEC Summit
Court documents reveal a chilling timeline that began in October 2023, when Cui and Miller allegedly recruited two individuals—unbeknownst to them, both were working with the FBI—to help derail the victim’s protests ahead of President Xi’s appearance at the APEC summit in November.
The victim, a U.S. resident and outspoken critic of the Chinese regime, was being watched.
Cui and Miller are accused of coordinating surveillance, planting a GPS tracker on the victim’s car, slashing tires, and even purchasing and destroying art sculptures the victim had made of President Xi and his wife.
FBI Had Eyes on the Operation From Inside
As it turns out, the duo had been unknowingly working with multiple individuals who were cooperating with the FBI.
The sting operation helped investigators follow the plot every step of the way.
Later, in spring 2025, the harassment allegedly escalated again.
After the victim announced plans to broadcast images of new Xi-themed statues, Cui and Miller allegedly paid two more informants—this time $36,500—to convince the victim to take the content down.
These individuals, too, were secretly acting at the direction of U.S. authorities.
Shocking New Allegations in Wisconsin: A Tech Trafficking Operation
Meanwhile, another federal case out of Wisconsin uncovered something even more alarming—an alleged attempt to smuggle sensitive U.S. military technology to China.
Beginning in November 2023, Cui and Miller reportedly engaged with two more FBI informants, discussing how to obtain and export defense items including missiles, drones, air defense radar systems, and encrypted devices.
To hide their tracks, the men even talked about stashing high-tech military components inside common household items—like blenders or electronic parts—and then shipping them through Hong Kong to reach the Chinese mainland.
They allegedly wired $10,000 as a deposit for one of these cryptographic devices.
If Convicted, The Penalties Are Severe
The Justice Department isn’t taking these charges lightly.
If found guilty, Cui and Miller could face:
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5 years for conspiracy
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5 years for interstate stalking
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20 years for violating the Arms Export Control Act
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10 years for smuggling
That’s up to 40 years in prison if the courts determine they’re guilty on all counts.
Coordinated Arrests and International Assistance
At the moment, both men are in Serbia, and the U.S. government is working closely with Serbian authorities to secure their extradition back to America.
The case is being handled by a team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys from California and Wisconsin, along with top attorneys from the Justice Department’s National Security Division and the Office of International Affairs.
Justice Department Sends a Clear Message
“The indictment alleges that Chinese foreign actors targeted a victim in our nation because he criticized the Chinese government and its president,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
“We will continue to hold accountable any foreign nationals who think they can come here and operate above the law.”
Echoing that, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino praised the coordinated work between U.S. and international teams that led to the suspects being stopped before more damage could be done.
The Legal Process Is Just Beginning
It’s important to note that, for now, these are just allegations.
Both Cui and Miller are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Still, the case sends a loud message: America is watching—and it’s ready to act—when foreign interference crosses the line into intimidation, espionage, or worse.