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Foreign nationals charged amid Trump visa crackdown for scheme to smuggle US military equipment into China
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Two foreign nationals have been charged for their role in a scheme to smuggle U.S. military equipment and technology — including missiles — into China, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
The charges come as President Donald Trump and his administration have launched multiple efforts to beef up the vetting process for foreigners seeking visas in the U.S., particularly those from China.
Cui Guanghai, 43, of China, and John Miller, 63, of the United Kingdom, were charged with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit interstate stalking, conspiracy, smuggling and violating the Arms Export Control Act, the Justice Department announced Friday.
Prosecutors believe that Cui was working on behalf of the Chinese government, according to court documents.
CHINA TARGETS US MILITARY MEMBERS IN OVERSEAS SPY OPERATIONS, FORMER CIA STATION CHIEF WARNS
China’s DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles are seen during a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Oct. 1, 2019. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)
Court documents allege that Cui, who is based in China, and Miller, who is a permanent resident in the U.S., sought to procure military equipment including missiles, an air defense radar, drones and cryptographic devices starting in November 2023. The two allegedly coordinated with two other individuals, who, unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, were working on behalf of the FBI, on ways to export the cryptographic device to China.
Cui and Miller allegedly discussed how to hide the cryptographic device in a blender, other small electronics or a motor starter — or ship the device to Hong Kong first — to avoid detection. They paid $10,000 as part of a deposit for the cryptographic device, court documents say.
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Additionally, Cui and Miller allegedly recruited two people to help them conduct a scheme that sought to silence an unnamed U.S. citizen from speaking out against Chinese President Xi Jinping’s appearance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November 2023, court documents say.
Specifically, both Cui and Miller allegedly orchestrated a plot to surveil the U.S. citizen, install a tracking device on his or her car, slash the car’s tires, and purchase and destroy a pair of statues the U.S. citizen created of Xi and Xi’s wife.
However, the individuals that Cui and Miller allegedly recruited were actually working in coordination with the FBI, according to court documents.
US INVESTIGATING WHETHER CHINESE CITIZEN CHARGED WITH FLYING DRONE OVER BASE COMMITTED ‘MORE SERIOUS OFFENSES’
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement, «The defendants targeted a U.S. resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime.» (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
«The defendants targeted a U.S. resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime,» Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement Friday. «This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values. This Justice Department will not tolerate foreign repression on U.S. soil, nor will we allow hostile nations to infiltrate or exploit our defense systems.»
Cui and Miller were arrested by Serbian law enforcement officials in April at the request of the U.S. government and are currently detained in Serbia. The Justice Department said it is working with the Serbian government regarding their pending extraditions.
If convicted, Cui and Miller face up to five years in a U.S. prison for conspiracy, up to five years for interstate stalking, up to 10 years for smuggling, and up to 20 years for violating the Arms Export Control Act.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the U.S. did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office told Fox News Digital that it is providing consular assistance to Miller following his arrest and «are in touch with the local authorities and his family.»
Separately, the State Department has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the screening process for various visa applicants seeking to come to the U.S. For example, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in May that the agency was planning to «revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications» for those originating from China and Hong Kong.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM CHINA SHIPPED WEAPONS TO NORTH KOREA FROM CALIFORNIA: DOJ
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in May that the agency was planning to «revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications» for those originating from China and Hong Kong. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
INTERNACIONAL
Trump’s Iran strike rocks Texas Senate race as Dems demand ‘war powers,’ GOP applauds president
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – With hours to go until primary day in Texas, the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran is the latest flashpoint in Lone Star State’s high-stakes and combustible Senate showdown.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn and his two primary challengers are rallying around President Donald Trump’s decision to launch the attacks, which are now in their second day and resulted in the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Three American military members were also killed in the fighting.
But the two Democrats vying for their party’s nomination in a bid to try and flip the long-held Republican seat in right-leaning Texas are condemning the airstrikes on Iran.
This year’s Senate showdown in Texas is one of a handful across the country that could determine if Republicans hold their majority in the chamber in the midterm elections. The GOP currently controls the chamber 53-47.
President Donald Trump announced strikes on Iran early Saturday, which eliminated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (President Trump Via Truth Social/Anadolu via Getty Images)
«I think the President did the right thing. It’s amazing to me that President Trump is the only president in my lifetime that is willing to take this kind of decisive action in order to stop the halt of terrorism and also radical Islam,» Cornyn said Sunday in a Fox News Digital interview.
Cornyn praised the operation, saying «this was well planned and was very decisive.» But he added, «There’s still a lot more to be done, and unfortunately, Iran still has a lot of ability to inflict casualties on people in the region.»
The senator’s top primary rival, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, thanked Trump for his «courageous leadership.»
Paxton, a MAGA firebrand and longtime Trump supporter who has survived a slew of scandals over the past decade, said in a social media post that «President Trump’s Operation Epic Fury is yet another overwhelming and historic military success. Khamenei’s been killed and the terroristic regime threatening our troops and nation has been decimated.»
IRAN’S NEAR HALF CENTURY WAR ON AMERICANS
Rep. Wesley Hunt, the Army veteran turned MAGA rising star, also praised the president, saying, «Trump did it again. PEACE THROUGH AMERICAN STRENGTH!»
«Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is DEAD, and now the people of Iran have a chance to be free,» added Hunt, a West Point graduate who flew Apache helicopters during his Army service who is in his second term representing a safe Republican district in the Houston-area.
Trump, whose clout over the GOP remains immense, has stayed neutral to date in the Republican primary. All three candidates, who have sought the president’s endorsement, were in attendance Friday as Trump held an event in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Trump has yet to make an endorsement in the closely-watched primary. (Mandel NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
«They’re in a little race together,» Trump said of Cornyn and Paxton. «You know that, right? A little bit of a race. It’s going to be an interesting one, right? They’re both great people, too.»
Trump also complimented Hunt, and said that all three contenders were engaged in an «interesting election.»
DEMS’ POTENTIAL 2028 HOPEFULS COME OUT AGAINST US STRIKES ON IRAN
The two major Democrats in the race, progressive firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett and rising Democratic Party star state Rep. James Talarico, are chastising Trump for not seeking congressional approval.
«CONGRESS, not the PRESIDENT, but CONGRESS has the EXCLUSIVE authority to declare war! Speaker Johnson needs to call us in IMMEDIATELY & it is time for the House & the Senate to pass a war powers resolution!» Crockett wrote on social media this weekend.
The two Democrats in the race, Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico, sound decisively different from their GOP counterparts with regard to the strikes. (Stringer/Getty Images)
And Crockett, a vocal Trump critic and foil, asked, «Why is it that this President refuses to even pretend that he cares about following the law?! I’ve been stomping & telling people that this election is life or death!»
Talarico, taking to social media this weekend, emphasized, «No more forever wars.»
But he didn’t make specific comments about the military strikes during a campaign event Sunday in San Antonio, Texas.
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Cornyn criticized the Democratic candidates for not supporting the U.S. operation.
«When the President has, in an act of political courage, ordered the U.S. military, along with our ally Israel, to defeat the number one state sponsor of terrorism and to prevent them from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Whose side do they choose? They choose the Iranian side. It’s just mind-boggling to me,» he argued.
And the senator predicted, «this will continue to be an issue in the midterm elections, because I don’t think that’s what the American people want, to live in a new world where a nuclear-armed terrorist state can literally terrorize not just the region but the world.»
donald trump,war with iran,iran,texas,senate elections,midterm elections,elections
INTERNACIONAL
Hormuz erupts: Attacks, GPS jamming, Houthi threats rock Strait amid US-Israeli strikes
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The Strait of Hormuz region became a flashpoint Sunday after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran under Operation Epic Fury triggered electronic warfare activity and multiple «attacks» on vessels along one of the world’s most critical energy waterways, according to reports.
The sudden escalation followed a Feb. 28 warning from U.S. maritime authorities urging commercial vessels to avoid strategic waterways if possible, including the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, citing heightened security risks.
«It is recommended that vessels keep clear of this area if possible,» the advisory warned.
«The Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters are the most dangerous place right now for commercial shipping,» Jakob P. Larsen, head of maritime security at BIMCO, told Fox News Digital.
«Ships in the Persian Gulf are under threat from Iranian attacks,» Larsen said.
Navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world’s oil and gas passes, on March 1, 2026. (Sahar AL ATTAR / AFP via Getty Images)
«To protect themselves, most ships stay as far away from Iran as they can,» he added before describing how ships are «trying to depart from the Persian Gulf to get away from the threat.»
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and regional authorities reported multiple maritime incidents listed as «attacks» Sunday.
One vessel west of Sharjah, UAE, was rocked by an explosion from an unknown projectile that detonated close alongside, and another tanker north of Muscat, Oman, was struck above the waterline, sparking a fire that was later brought under control, according to data.
A third vessel northwest of Mina Saqr, UAE, was also hit by a projectile that ignited a blaze aboard, the organization reported.
Compounding the physical threats is a surge in electronic warfare with maritime intelligence firm Windward reporting widespread GPS and Automatic Identification System (AIS) interference, impacting 1,000-plus ships.
IRAN FIRES MISSILES AT US BASES ACROSS MIDDLE EAST AFTER AMERICAN STRIKES ON NUCLEAR, IRGC SITES
A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. (Reuters)
Windward cited widespread navigation disruption near Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, with ships falsely appearing at airports, a nuclear power plant and inland locations.
Several new AIS jamming clusters were also identified across Emirati, Qatari, Omani and Iranian waters, Windward said.
Major shipping company Maersk announced it would reroute some services away from the region, citing crew and cargo safety.
Roughly 20% of global oil and gas exports pass through the Strait, and traffic has already thinned, with some tankers reversing course or switching off AIS signals.
Industry groups also warned of Houthi retaliation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, while analysts cautioned that Iran could seize vessels tied to U.S. or Israeli interests.
«The Houthis have threatened to resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden,» Larsen explained.
KEANE WARNS IRAN STRIKE BECOMING ‘REGIONAL WAR,’ SAYS THREE GULF STATES PREPARING FOR COMBAT
The Strait of Hormuz faces heightened security risks after U.S.-Israeli strikes triggered maritime incidents, prompting shipping companies to reroute vessels.
Ships with business connections to U.S. or Israeli interests are considered more likely targets, though others could be struck deliberately or in error, he said.
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Tanker owners’ association Intertanko also warned members that «the expectation is that the Houthis may respond and recommence attacks on shipping,» although immediate intelligence remained unclear.
«There are no signs of Iranian attempts to close the Strait with sea mines or naval mines, although this can change at short notice,» Larsen added before confirming that GPS interference has «increased significantly following the initiation of hostilities.»
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war with iran,middle east,terrorism,us navy,conflicts,iran
INTERNACIONAL
Medios israelíes informan que murió el expresidente Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, quien firmó el memorándum de entendimiento por la Amia con Cristina Kirchner
Reportes en Israel afirman este domingo que el expresidente Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, conocido en la Argentina por haber sido quien firmó el controvertido memorándum de entendimiento sobre la causa Amia con Cristina Kirchner en 2013, murió en los bombardeos conjuntos de Estados Unidos e Israel desde las primeras horas del sábado.
Medios de Tel Aviv precisaron que fue alcanzado por un raid aéreo de las fuerzas israelíes. La noticia fue publicada también por la agencia semioficial Ilna, citando «fuentes bien informadas», y se propagó a través de medios iraníes, israelíes e internacionales.
Ahmadinejad fue un político conservador, que se desempeñó como presidente de Irán de 2005 a 2013, tras haber sido alcalde de Teherán por dos años. Al comienzo de su presidencia, Alí Khamenei lo respaldó fuertemente: era visto como cercano al liderazgo islamista conservador y se le permitió besar su mano y mejillas en la ceremonia de toma de posesión, un gesto de respaldo simbólico y público.
Tras las controvertidas elecciones de 2009, el también asesinado líder espiritual de la República Islámica Khamenei volvió a apoyarlo públicamente a Ahmadinejad frente a las protestas del “Movimiento Verde”, reforzando su posición como presidente frente a la oposición interna.
Fue conocido por su postura de confrontación hacia Occidente, especialmente hacia los Estados Unidos e Israel. Y como un negacionista del Holocausto contra el pueblo judío por el régimen nazi de Alemania: hizo declaraciones incendiarias sobre Israel que provocaron la condena internacional.
Ahmadinejad defendió firmemente el programa nuclear de Irán, insistiendo en que era con fines pacíficos. Y con el tiempo se acercó lentamente a la Argentina, a través de fallecido Hugo Chávez en Venezuela.
Cuando Cristina Kirchner fue reelegida en 2011, le mandó un mensaje especial: «Espero que las relaciones amistosas entre las grandes naciones de Irán y Argentina se desarrollen y expandan aún más en el camino de la prosperidad».
Fue así que el ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores iraní se fue acercando al de excanciller Héctor Timerman, en conversaciones secretas que derivaron en la firma del pacto con Irán en Etiopía en 2013.
Este controvertido acuerdo establecía una «comisión de la verdad» integrada por personalidades internacionales que iba a tomar declaración en Irán a los acusados de ese país de ser autores intelectuales del atentado terrorista contra la Amia de 1994, en el que murieron 85 personas.
El acuerdo fue rechazado tanto por la colectividad judía, la dirigencia de la misma en Argentina y por Israel, generando enorme tensión con el gobierno de Cristina.
La expresidenta evitó una foto con él cuando coincidieron en Venezuela en los funerales de Hugo Chávez, fallecido poco antes. Quien sí tuvo una foto con su par Ali Akbar Salehi fue el excanciller Héctor Timerman. Fe tomada en 2013 en la capital etíope cuando firmaban el memorándum.
El memorándum entró en una larga judicialización, por ser considerado inconstitucional y finalmente el gobierno de Mauricio Macri avaló su inconstitucionalidad y quedó en la nada. Entre tanto la expresidenta como varios de sus exfuncionarios, incluyendo al ex canciller, Timerman enfrentaron un juicio por supuesta traición a la patria.
Sin embargo, al Gobierno de Irán el acuerdo dejó de interesarle el memorándum cuando vio que le era imposible levantar en Interpol las alertas rojas de captura internacional contra los acusados por el atentado terrorista. Ese era el objetivo final de su pacto con Cristina.
A nivel internacional Ahmadinejad se enfrentó a severas sanciones internacionales, especialmente por sus actividades nucleares. A nivel interno, promovió políticas económicas redistributivas y pagos directos en efectivo a los ciudadanos. Pero su administración estuvo marcada por una alta inflación, mala gestión económica y creciente aislamiento.
En 2009, estallaron grandes protestas. Fue acusado de fraude electoral; y su gobierno respondió con represión. Tras dejar el cargo en 2013, justo el año de su pacto con Cristina, intentó regresar políticamente, pero fue descalificado para postularse en elecciones presidenciales posteriores por el Consejo de la Guardia de la Revolución.
Una curiosidad que se destacaba este domingo es que tras la invasión de Rusia, a Ucrania, se puso del lado de Kiev y no del lado de Vladimir Putin.
«Gran gente de Ucrania, presidente Zelensky. Tu noble y casi sin precedentes resistencia ha expuesto los planes satánicos de los enemigos de la humanidad. Sepa que el gran país, Irán, está con usted y admira su heroica perseverancia», escribió en marzo de 2022, casi mes después de la invasión.
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Evangelina Anderson contó qué pasará con sus hijos ante el próximo desafío de Martín Demichelis en España
