Rising suspicions around the National Police Defense Foundation and Chinese Communist Party raise concerns over potential espionage activities involving U.S. law enforcement.
At a Glance
- Chinese Communist Party alleged to have funded NPDF to influence U.S. law enforcement.
- Liu Wei, a purported Chinese intelligence agent, linked to NPDF through donations and awards.
- Joseph Occhipinti, founder of NPDF, had prior legal issues and received a pardon from President Trump.
- FBI prioritizes countering China’s espionage efforts targeting U.S. law enforcement and private investigators.
Allegations Against Chinese Communist Party and NPDF
The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF), a U.S.-based non-profit organization, faces accusations of connections with Chinese intelligence linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Reports suggest money funneled from the CCP influenced U.S. law enforcement. The non-profit allegedly honored Liu Wei, a reputed Chinese intelligence agent, by awarding him a Distinguished Member Award in 2015, following his $10,000 donation.
Liu Wei, involved with NPDF since 1999, was positioned as the “delegate to China” within the organization. In its defense, the NPDF claimed transparency about interactions with Chinese officials, having duly informed the FBI about the relationships. Joseph Occhipinti, who runs the NPDF, was pardoned by former President Donald Trump in 2020 for prior legal issues.
Chinese Espionage: A Broader Pattern
China’s espionage efforts extend beyond financial contributions. The Chinese spy balloon incident is merely one symptom of pervasive espionage. The Center for Strategic & International Studies reports 160 espionage incidents from 2000 to 2021, with a surge post-2010. U.S. law enforcement, including the FBI and NYPD, became targets of these breaches, replicating escalating concerns present in other sectors. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted China as a substantial and long-term threat to U.S. intellectual property and economic wellbeing.
Efforts include attempts to influence U.S. lawmakers, intellectual property theft, and cyber intrusions. Chinese government tactics revolve around subverting legal boundaries, posing as professors to extract sensitive information. The U.S. government responded by charging several individuals allegedly involved in unlawful acts dictated by China’s security apparatus.
Current Judicial Actions
Recent cases highlight China’s espionage activities within the U.S. U.S. prosecutors charge 13 individuals, including PRC security members, for trying to influence American institutions illegally. FBI prioritizes combating this predominating threat from the Chinese government, differentiating it from the populace.
While espionage has evolved with continuous revelations of espionage tactics entering the public domain, awareness enhances, exacerbating tensions. These issues sustain vigilance to mitigate the predominant risks to national security, protecting essential assets within a rapidly modifying global landscape.
Sources:
- Not just balloons: Here’s how China spies on the US
- The China Threat — FBI
- New Jersey cop charity accused of helping Chinese Communist party infiltrate US law enforcement
