US citizen and journalist charged with acting as Chinese agent

A U.S. citizen who previously worked for Chinese state media has pleaded guilty to acting as a foreign agent for Beijing, admitting to collecting approximately $100,000 in exchange for gathering intelligence within the United States.

Thomas Weir Pauken II, also known as Tom McGregor, allegedly operated under the direction and control of Chinese officials linked to China's Ministry of State Security. Court documents indicate this arrangement spanned from at least 2019 until February 2026. During this period, an individual identified by the English name 'Cathy' reportedly instructed Pauken on meeting potential sources, delivering communication devices, and transmitting gathered information back to China.

Prosecutors outlined that Pauken, 50, relocated to Hong Kong around 2010. He held positions at state-affiliated media outlets including China Radio International, China Central Television, and China Global Television Network, before becoming an editor for Xinhua in 2024. The FBI highlighted the case as an example of Beijing's attempts to undermine American democratic institutions and freedoms.

"This case illustrates the lengths to which the Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions and degrade our political freedoms," said Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. "Let this plea serve as a clear warning."

According to court filings, 'Cathy' provided Pauken with necessary communication tools, identified targets for his intelligence gathering, and covered his travel expenses, which amounted to about $7,500 per trip, often routed through Pauken's wife's account. Pauken is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1 and faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.

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This case illustrates the lengths to which the Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions and degrade our political freedoms. Let this plea serve as a clear warning.