An American journalist, also known as “Tom McGregor,” has been charged in the United States with acting as an unregistered agent for China. Thomas Weir Pauken II allegedly worked under the direction of individuals linked to China’s Ministry of State Security to cultivate sources in the US, including someone seeking a role in the Trump administration.
Federal prosecutors claim that Pauken had been working for individuals associated with China since at least 2019. He allegedly performed tasks like meeting potential sources, delivering communication devices, and sending reports back to China. Pauken admitted during interviews that his actions were part of a conspiracy to obtain classified information from the US government.
Reports suggest that Pauken was involved in providing phones, laptops, and encrypted communication tools to facilitate contact between US individuals and his Chinese handlers. Court documents reveal that he had worked for various Chinese state media outlets and had connections with individuals in China, including a woman known as “Cathy” who communicated with him through messaging apps like WeChat and Signal.
Allegedly, Pauken made multiple trips between China and the US, with his travels reportedly funded by his Chinese contacts. Prosecutors claim he received around $100,000 for his activities. Despite these allegations, Pauken’s attorney clarified that his client is not charged with spying or mishandling classified information but rather with failing to comply with registration requirements related to acting on behalf of a foreign government.
