The controversy first emerged in 2022 when the Spain-based human rights organization Safeguard Defenders released a report alleging that China had established more than 100 overseas “police service stations” in countries around the world. According to the report, some of these offices were being used not only to help Chinese citizens with administrative services, but also to pressure critics of the Chinese government to return to China or remain silent.

Investigators soon focused on an office located in Manhattan’s Chinatown in New York City. The office was allegedly linked to China’s Ministry of Public Security through organizations associated with immigrants from Fujian Province. US officials claimed the site operated secretly without informing American authorities, violating US laws that require foreign government agents to register.

The FBI launched an investigation and later raided the office, where agents reportedly discovered communications between the suspects and Chinese security officials. Authorities said the location contained references identifying it as a “Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station,” strengthening suspicions that it was connected to Chinese law enforcement operations abroad.

Federal prosecutors accused the operators of helping China monitor and harass dissidents and pro-democracy activists living in the United States. One investigation allegedly involved efforts to track a Chinese activist based in California who was critical of Beijing. Prosecutors argued that the operation formed part of a broader campaign of transnational repression targeting critics outside China’s borders.

The investigation intensified after authorities claimed the suspects deleted communications and online evidence after learning they were under FBI scrutiny. US prosecutors described the deletions as an attempt to obstruct justice and hide links to Chinese officials.

In April 2023, two men identified as Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping were arrested and charged with acting as unregistered agents of the Chinese government. Chen later pleaded guilty and admitted deleting materials connected to the station at the request of Chinese authorities.

In May 2026, a federal jury in Brooklyn found Lu Jianwang guilty, marking a major victory for US prosecutors. American officials said the case demonstrated growing concerns over China’s alleged efforts to expand surveillance and influence operations beyond its borders.

China has strongly denied the accusations, insisting that the overseas centers are voluntary community service offices created to help Chinese citizens with routine administrative matters such as renewing documents. Beijing accused the United States of politicizing the issue and damaging China’s reputation.

The case has increased tensions between Washington and Beijing at a time when relations between the two countries are already strained over trade, technology, Taiwan, cybersecurity, and national security concerns.