An American journalist turned out to be a Chinese agent.

US citizen and journalist Thomas Ware Pauken II has admitted to operating as an illegal agent in the interests of the People's Republic of China. This was reported by the BBC, citing the US Department of Justice in a report.

 

According to official information, the 50-year-old Pauken has confessed in court to participating in a conspiracy aimed at obtaining classified information from the US government. According to the confession, the journalist worked under the direction and control of individuals linked to the Chinese government from at least 2019 until February 2026.

 

Court documents indicate that Pauken had been living in China since 2010 and worked for state media outlets such as CCTV and Xinhua News. According to investigation materials, he received assignments from a person known as "Katie" and arranged meetings with potential information sources in the US.

 

According to the US Department of Justice, Pauken received at least $100,000 for this activity. He was also tasked with traveling to the US multiple times to gather information that could be beneficial to China.

 

Representatives of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated that the journalist collected information about American individuals and passed it on to contacts in China. The investigation also revealed that he worked with two other associates in China.

 

According to court materials, Pauken also provided information related to the US Department of Justice and the technology sector to a group of individuals in Wuhan.

 

This group asked him to help find a specialist for cyber espionage activities.

 

The journalist's lawyer, Charles Burnham, emphasized that his client has accepted responsibility for his actions and that his goal was to develop peaceful relations with China and support religious freedoms.

 

The verdict for Thomas Ware Pauken II is expected to be announced on September 1. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison.