In a multinational law enforcement operation, two foreign nationals were arrested in Serbia, suspected of targeting a Los Angeles artist known for being critical of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Key Insights
- Two individuals, Cui Guanghai from China and John Miller from the UK, were detained in Serbia at the request of US authorities.
- The arrests relate to an alleged plot to harass a Los Angeles artist critical of Xi Jinping, allegedly involving Chinese government interests.
- The arrests involved an undercover FBI agent and a confidential source foiling plans to surveil and vandalize the artist’s work.
- Cui and Miller face potential extradition to the US and charges including conspiracy and interstate stalking, with up to five years imprisonment.
Arrests in Serbia
US authorities coordinated with Serbia to arrest Cui Guanghai and John Miller at the US government’s request. The two are accused of orchestrating a campaign of harassment against a Los Angeles-based artist who has publicly criticized Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping. This operation highlights international cooperation to address threats against individuals opposing foreign government policies.
The defendants are accused of hiring individuals to surveil and intimidate the artist, who gained attention for his artistic expressions critical of Xi. Cui allegedly directed these efforts “on behalf of the PRC government,” utilizing Miller to execute their strategy.
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
Details of the Plot
The alleged scheme started in October 2023, with the suspects allegedly hired people to prevent the victim from attending protests against Xi’s attendance at the APEC summit in San Francisco. Undercover operations by the FBI thwarted their efforts, with individuals enlisted by Cui and Miller revealed to be a “confidential human source working for the FBI.”
The artist, who is currently unidentified, became known for exhibits opposing the Chinese regime, including statues of Xi. Despite alleged efforts to damage these works and install tracking on the artist’s car, the FBI managed to intervene.
Extradition and Charges
The US government seeks extradition for the suspects so they can face charges of conspiracy and interstate stalking. If they are convicted, they could be sentenced to a maximum of five years for each charge. This incident underscores the complex intersections between artistic freedom, international relations, and covert governmental activities.
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
