Officials announced on Tuesday that a former sergeant of the New York Police Department (NYPD) is among three individuals found guilty of acting and conspiring as illegal agents of the People’s Republic of China.

The verdict was reached by a federal jury in Brooklyn on June 20. The convicted defendants are Michael McMahon, Zhu Yong, and Zheng Congying.

A news release from the Eastern District of New York states that the trio engaged in activities on behalf of the Chinese government to intimidate, surveil, and coerce certain U.S. residents into returning to China, CBS News has reported.

This operation, referred to as “Operation Fox Hunt,” is described as a global and extralegal repatriation effort. McMahon and Yong were aware of their association with Chinese officials, according to authorities.

McMahon, a 55-year-old retired NYPD sergeant, was found guilty of acting as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China, conspiracy to commit interstate stalking, and interstate stalking. He could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Yong, also known as “Jason Zhu,” aged 66, was convicted of conspiracy to act as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China, acting as an illegal agent of the country, conspiracy to commit interstate stalking, and interstate stalking.

He may face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Zheng, 27, who was involved in leaving a threatening note at the residence of one of the targeted individuals, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit interstate stalking and interstate stalking.

He could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Written by staff