British Man Indicted for Technology Export Plot to China

THE CHARGES

John Miller, a 63-year-old British man from Kent, has been indicted by U.S. federal prosecutors alongside Chinese national Cui Guanghai for attempting to export sensitive American defense technology to China. Both were arrested in Serbia and face extradition to the United States.

THE ALLEGED SCHEME

Primary Plot: The pair attempted to export encryption/decryption devices to Beijing, discussing plans to smuggle the equipment to China via Hong Kong, hidden inside a blender.

Broader Conspiracy: Prosecutors allege they solicited the procurement of multiple U.S. defense articles, including:

- Missiles

- Air defense radar systems

- Drones

- Cryptographic devices with crypto ignition keys

ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Beyond the technology export plot, both men are accused of attempting to harass a Chinese-American artist and Beijing critic by:

- Trying to install a tracking device on the victim's car

- Slashing the victim's tires

HOW THEY WERE CAUGHT

Miller was caught in an FBI sting operation after discussing his plans with federal agents posing as arms dealers. Intercepted phone calls reportedly show Miller referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping as "the boss."

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES

If convicted, both defendants face:

- Up to 20 years in prison under the U.S. Arms Export Control Act

- Additional 10 years for smuggling charges

OFFICIAL RESPONSE

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche characterized the plot as a "blatant assault" on American national security, emphasizing that the government "would not allow hostile nations to infiltrate or exploit our defense systems."

This case emerges amid escalating U.S.-China tensions and trade disputes. The timing coincides with recent warnings from Beijing telling Washington not to "play with fire" following U.S. defense chief Pete Hegseth's comments about potential Chinese plans to invade Taiwan.

Miller, who describes himself as a recruitment specialist, is receiving consular assistance from Britain's Foreign Office following his April 24 arrest in Serbia.