Briton indicted in alleged plot to export US military technology to China

Briton indicted in alleged plot to export US military technology to China

A man from the UK has been charged in the United States for his alleged involvement in attempting to smuggle sensitive American military technology to China. The accused, John Miller, 63, along with a Chinese man named Cui Guanghai, are facing charges related to conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Control Act. Both individuals were apprehended in Serbia and may potentially be extradited to the US.

According to court documents, Miller and Cui were reportedly engaged in discussions regarding the exportation of encryption and decryption devices. They allegedly made a $10,000 deposit for the equipment and are also accused of engaging in activities meant to intimidate an anti-Chinese government protester. These actions included placing a tracking device on the individual’s car and damaging their tires.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the actions of the two men, describing their activities as a direct threat to national security and democratic values. Blanche emphasized that the Justice Department will not tolerate foreign interference on American soil or any attempts to exploit defense systems. If found guilty, Miller could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for violating the Arms Export Control Act and 10 years for smuggling.

The indictment outlines how Miller and Cui allegedly sought to obtain US defense articles unlawfully, including missiles, air defense radar, drones, and cryptographic devices for export to China. The documents also reveal conversations between the accused individuals and two others, referred to as “Individual 5” and “Individual 6,” concerning the export of cryptographic devices. Additionally, the pair allegedly enlisted the help of two individuals in the US to disrupt a planned protest against Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation summit in Los Angeles.

In a similar scheme that unfolded in 2025, Miller and Cui paid individuals to dissuade a victim from sharing online displays of statues depicting Xi and his wife. These individuals were also revealed to be cooperating with the FBI. Both defendants are currently in Serbia, and efforts are being made to facilitate their extradition back to the US. The US Attorney’s Office in California stressed that an indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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