Briton Charged in Alleged Scheme to Smuggle U.S. Military Technology to China: What You Need to Know

A British man is facing serious charges in the US for allegedly trying to smuggle sensitive military technology to China. John Miller, 63, and a 43-year-old Chinese man named Cui Guanghai were arrested in Serbia and are awaiting possible extradition to the US.

According to court documents, Miller and Cui discussed exporting devices that could encrypt and decrypt data, and even put down a $10,000 deposit for the equipment. They are also accused of harassing an anti-Chinese government protester by tracking their car and damaging it.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described their actions as a “blatant assault” on US security. If convicted, Miller could face up to 20 years in prison for violating the Arms Export Control Act and another 10 years for smuggling.

The indictment states that the pair sought US defense materials like missiles, air defense radar, and drones, intending to send them to China. They also talked about using everyday items like small electronics and a blender to smuggle the technology. Interestingly, the FBI was aware of their plans, as two individuals helping them were actually working with the agency.

US Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized that the indictment highlights how foreign elements attempt to target critics of the Chinese government in the US. He asserted that any criminal activity by foreign nationals will not go unpunished.

In a related incident from 2025, the same two men allegedly sought to stop a victim from unveiling statues that criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping. They paid others $36,000 to intimidate the artist, who also turned out to be working with the FBI.

Both men remain in Serbia as the US coordinates their extradition. Remember, an indictment is not proof of guilt; all defendants are considered innocent until proven otherwise in court.

For deeper insights, a recent Pew Research study found that over half of Americans view challenges from China as a critical threat to national security. This situation underscores ongoing tensions surrounding espionage and influence efforts involving foreign actors.



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