Spying Shocker: China Operative Convicted in U.S. Aviation Espionage Case
In a turn of events that feels like a real‑life thriller, a Chinese national named Xu Yanjun has been found guilty by a federal jury of plotting to pilfer trade secrets from big‑name U.S. aviation and aerospace firms. The Justice Department announced the verdict on Friday, November 5.
What the Verdict Means
- Xu faces up to 60 years in prison for all counts combined.
- He’ll also be looking at hefty fines that total more than $5 million (roughly S$6.8 million).
- The sentencing will be handled by a federal district court judge, who will weigh these numbers.
Xu was the first Chinese spy to be extradited to the United States for trial—a milestone that’s making headlines around the globe.
Charges at a Glance
- Two counts of conspiracy for attempting economic espionage.
- One count of conspiracy for trade‑secret theft.
- Two counts of attempted theft of trade secrets.
Authorities say the plot dates back to 2013, when Yanjun allegedly used a cocktail of aliases to infiltrate the U.S. aerospace sector. Target companies included GE Aviation—a powerhouse of General Electric—as well as other industry giants.
FBI’s Take
FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler Jr. weighed in, emphasizing that the bureau is working hand‑in‑hand with dozens of U.S. agencies to thwart foreign operations:
“For those who doubt the real goals of the PRC, this should be a wake‑up call; they’re pilfering American tech to power their economy and military,”
– Alan Kohler Jr.
With this case, the U.S. court system is sending a clear message: spying over shareholders and boardrooms won’t fly—especially when it involves the high‑stakes world of aviation secrets.
