Serbian authorities arrested two foreign nationals accused of orchestrating a harassment campaign against a Los Angeles artist who criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping through provocative statues.
Quick Takes
- A Chinese national and a British citizen were arrested in Serbia at the request of the US for targeting a Los Angeles-based artist critical of Xi Jinping.
- The suspects allegedly paid $36,500 to FBI undercover agents to spy on the victim, damage his property, and destroy statues depicting Xi.
- The FBI thwarted two separate intimidation campaigns aimed at silencing the artist during key political moments.
- If extradited and convicted, the suspects face prison time for conspiracy and interstate stalking.
Chinese Government Operatives Target US-Based Critic
Serbian authorities have arrested Cui Guanghai of China and John Miller of the United Kingdom at the request of the United States government. The arrests, which took place on April 24, stem from charges related to a complex scheme targeting a Los Angeles artist known for creating statues critical of Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. The plot allegedly began in October 2023, strategically timed to prevent the artist from protesting Xi’s appearance at the APEC summit in San Francisco that year.
“The victim had previously made public statements in opposition to the policies and actions of the PRC [People’s Republic of China] government and President Xi,” federal authorities stated.
Cui was operating “on behalf of the PRC government,” according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Cui allegedly used Miller as an intermediary to relay tasks to third parties who would carry out the harassment campaign. These third parties, however, turned out to be an undercover FBI agent and a confidential FBI source, which ultimately led to the alleged scheme’s unraveling.
L.A. resident critic of Xi Jinping was harassed and threatened, feds say. Two people have been arrested https://t.co/rp6s9zn8jT
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) April 26, 2025
Surveillance, Intimidation, and Property Damage
Cui and Miller allegedly instructed their recruits to conduct surveillance on the artist, install tracking devices on the victim’s car, slash the vehicle’s tires, and ultimately destroy artistic statues depicting Xi Jinping. Court documents reveal that the suspects paid $36,500 to the FBI affiliates to prevent the display of the statues. The coordination of these activities was allegedly handled through encrypted communications, with Miller maintaining direct contact with operatives on the ground.
“Acting at the direction and control” of Chinese officials, the pair allegedly orchestrated a careful plan to silence the artist’s criticism of the Chinese government, as noted by prosecutors. Their activities didn’t stop at physical intimidation. Miller reportedly traveled to China, met with government officials, and later claimed to have received a promotion following these meetings, suggesting official backing for the harassment campaign.
The US government is now seeking the extradition of Cui and Miller from Serbia to face justice in American courts. If convicted, both men face serious consequences – up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy and interstate stalking charges.
Sources
- US Seeks Extradition of 2 Suspects Arrested in Serbia Over Scheme Targeting Los Angeles Artist
- L.A. resident critic of Xi Jinping was harassed and threatened, feds say. Two people have been arrested
