US Looking To Extradite Suspects Who Allegedly Hired People To Harass Xi Jinping Critic

Two foreign nationals face extradition from Serbia to the United States for allegedly targeting an artist critical of Xi Jinping.

Key Takeaways

Cui Guanghai from China and John Miller from the UK were arrested in Serbia at the request of the US government.
The accusations involve harassment of a Los Angeles artist opposed to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The suspects allegedly worked under the direction of the Chinese government.
The operation was thwarted by undercover FBI personnel.
The US seeks extradition of the suspects so they may face charges of conspiracy and interstate stalking.

Arrests and Allegations

On April 24, Serbia arrested Cui Guanghai and John Miller following a US request. They face accusations of arranging harassment against a Los Angeles artist critical of Xi Jinping. Federal authorities allege that this intimidation campaign aimed to suppress his freedom of expression by threatening and damaging his work and property. The operation supposedly began in October 2023 to prevent the artist’s protest during Xi’s visit to the APEC summit in San Francisco.

Two #ForeignNationals were arrested on April 24 in #Serbia at the request of the #USGovernment … https://t.co/PQ4Lx72Nkx

— The Epoch Times – China Insider (@EpochTimesChina) April 28, 2025

Intrigue and Hidden Operations

Cui and Miller allegedly orchestrated the harassment by hiring individuals to keep the artist under surveillance, ruining his property, and destroying satirical statues of Xi Jinping. Authorities say their plan backfired when they hired an undercover FBI agent and confidential FBI informant. The Justice Department stated these actions demonstrate systematic intimidation attempts and reinforce the FBI’s role in safeguarding American citizens. Cui and Miller initially faced the trap they unknowingly set in their orchestrations.

International Ramifications and Justice

Details of the arrest suggest Cui acted “on behalf of the PRC government,” as disclosed by the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Evidence indicates that Miller reported to officials in China, claiming rewards for his operations. Beyond this case, federal documents indicate affiliations between Miller’s staged protests against Taiwan’s presidential visits with hired actors masquerading as fervent activists. Such events assert the necessity for international cooperation in addressing foreign interference in civil freedoms.

These recent developments highlight the balancing act between diplomatic protocols and safeguarding citizens’ freedoms when faced with international pressure. Currently, the US is seeking extradition of the suspects so they can face charges of interstate stalking and conspiracy. Both charges carry a maximum sentence of five years behind bars.