From Sfgate · · 1m 10s
Two Men Sentenced in Chinese Spy Case
Two men sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for spying on U.S. military for China’s intelligence agency.
In brief
Two men sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for spying on U.S. military for China’s intelligence agency. Liren 'Ryan' Lai and Yuance Chen were each sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for acting as agents of China’s Ministry of State Security. Originally reported by Sfgate.
Sentences for Spy Activity
Two men were sentenced in Oakland for spying on U.S. military for Chinese intelligence agency in yearslong operation.
30-Month Prison Terms
Liren 'Ryan' Lai and Yuance Chen each received 30 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
Operation Timeline
The spy operation began as early as June 2015 and continued until June 2025 when FBI arrested the men.
Dead Drop Payments
The men used dead drop cash payments in the Bay Area, including $10,000 in January 2022 and $20,000 in January 2024.
Information Collected
They gathered photos of Navy bases, recruits, and military personnel for China’s intelligence agency.
DOJ Statement
U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian said the scheme aimed to undermine national security and would be prosecuted.
What to remember
Liren 'Ryan' Lai and Yuance Chen were each sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for acting as agents of China’s Ministry of State Security.
