Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 27: An American journalist and political commentator who previously worked for several Chinese state-run media organisations has been charged in the United States for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government, according to federal court documents unsealed in Virginia.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Thomas Weir Pauken II, also known as “Tom McGregor,” operated under the direction of individuals connected to China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) and attempted to cultivate sources within the United States, including a person seeking a role in the administration of US President Donald Trump.
The criminal complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges that Pauken had been working “at the direction and control” of individuals linked to the People’s Republic of China since at least 2019.
According to an affidavit submitted by FBI Special Agent Timothy J. Healy, Pauken’s alleged handler — identified only as “Cathy” — assigned him various tasks including meeting potential sources, delivering communication devices, gathering information, and transmitting reports back to contacts in China.
Court filings state that Pauken allegedly admitted during voluntary interviews with investigators that his activities formed part of a broader effort to obtain classified information from the US government.
The case gained wider attention after reports by Politico indicated that Pauken told investigators he was “80 per cent sure” that an associate connected to the incoming Trump administration could eventually provide classified information to Chinese contacts.
Additional reports alleged that Pauken supplied phones, laptops, and encrypted communication tools to facilitate contact between US-based individuals and Chinese operatives.
Investigators said Pauken moved to China around 2010 and worked with several Chinese state media organisations, including China Radio International, China Central Television, and China Global Television Network.
According to the affidavit, Pauken reportedly met “Cathy” in 2017 through an introduction by an individual described as one of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speechwriters.
Federal investigators allege that communication between Pauken and his contacts primarily occurred through encrypted platforms such as WeChat, Signal, and Telegram.
The FBI further claimed that Pauken frequently travelled between China and the United States between 2019 and 2025, with many of the trips allegedly funded by his Chinese contacts. Prosecutors stated that he received approximately $100,000 for reports and assignments carried out during this period.
Court documents also revealed that when Pauken arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport in January 2025, he was carrying two mobile phones, a laptop, and $3,000 in cash.
According to investigators, the FBI later instructed him to continue interacting with his contacts while avoiding any involvement with classified material, reportedly as part of efforts to monitor the network.
The affidavit additionally alleged that Pauken later offered an associate a $10,000 bonus to resume cooperation with “Cathy,” claiming that the information gathered would influence policy discussions and be reviewed by senior Chinese leadership.
Pauken’s attorney, Charles Burnham, reportedly argued that his client has not been accused of espionage or mishandling classified information, maintaining that the case primarily concerns alleged violations related to foreign-agent registration requirements.
The complaint was filed under Section 951 of Title 18 of the US Code, which prohibits individuals from acting on behalf of foreign governments inside the United States without notifying the Attorney General.
Federal prosecutors stated that database checks found no evidence that Pauken had registered as an agent of the Chinese government.