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Trial Opens for NYC Leader Accused of Running Secret Chinese Police Outpost

The case tests how the U.S. enforces its foreign‑agent law in alleged transnational repression.

Overview

  • Lu Jianwang, 64, went on trial Wednesday in Brooklyn on charges that he acted as an unregistered agent of China and destroyed evidence.
  • Prosecutors said he and a co-leader opened a Chinatown office in 2022 that hung a sign reading “Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station” and took direction to track a local dissident.
  • They said the FBI raided the site on Oct. 3, 2022, and that Lu later told agents he set up the office, used WeChat to reach a handler, and deleted those messages.
  • The defense said the site was a community hub that helped people renew Chinese driver’s licenses and host games, calling the case a paperwork dispute under the foreign‑agent law.
  • Co-defendant Chen Jinping pleaded guilty in December 2024 and awaits sentencing after this trial, which prosecutors said will include testimony from a dissident who says he was targeted.