A US journalist living in China for more than a decade has been accused of acting as an agent for Chinese intelligence, with US court documents alleging he received at least $100,000 for helping Beijing-linked operatives gather sensitive information.
Thomas Pauken II, who reportedly worked for several Chinese state media outlets under the pseudonym Tom McGregor, faces charges related to alleged espionage involving China’s Ministry of State Security.
A US-based journalist allegedly worked with Chinese intelligence-linked operatives for years and helped gather information connected to the Trump administration, according to newly unsealed court filings.
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According to an affidavit cited in court records, Pauken worked with a handler identified as “Cathy,” who was allegedly connected to China’s Ministry of State Security — the agency responsible for espionage operations.
Prosecutors said Pauken was paid more than $100,000 to prepare reports and conduct interviews that were allegedly reviewed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The filings stated that Pauken communicated with his handler through Telegram and WeChat before deleting the conversations at her request.
Pauken was arrested in March and is expected to appear for a plea hearing on May 29 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Court documents also revealed that Pauken is the son of Tom Pauken, a former Reagan administration official who later chaired the Texas Republican Party and the Texas Workforce Commission.
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Investigators claimed Pauken’s Chinese contacts were “obsessed” with obtaining information about his father. According to the affidavit, the elder Pauken had advised his son to use an alias to avoid association with his activities in China.
Federal investigators further alleged that Pauken connected his Chinese handler to an individual working for a US government agency, who allegedly received multiple payments for sharing information about the Trump administration.
The affidavit stated Pauken believed there was a strong possibility classified information could eventually be passed to China despite his objections.
Authorities also alleged Pauken delivered a laptop, Samsung phone, and flash drive to the individual under instructions from his Chinese handler.
The case adds to growing concerns in Washington over alleged Chinese influence operations and espionage activities inside the United States.
