Jerry Chun Shing Lee, Espionage Conspiracy, Virginia 2024

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Ex-CIA case officer Jerry Chun Shing Lee, 54, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit espionage, charges that exposed his treachery in selling out the United States.

“Lee’s actions are a stark reminder of the gravity when those trusted with our nation’s secrets betray that trust,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “His cooperation with a foreign government is a direct threat to American security.”

According to court documents, Lee, who resigned from the CIA in 2007 and moved to Hong Kong, was approached by Chinese intelligence officers in April 2010. They offered him $100,000 and promised him “a lifetime of care” for his cooperation. From May 2010 through December 2013, Lee received numerous requests for classified information, depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars into his personal accounts.

“These cases underscore the ongoing threat from foreign intelligence services that target former intelligence officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Lee’s actions are not only a betrayal of his country but also a grave insult to all those who serve in our intelligence community.”

In August 2012, during an FBI search of Lee’s hotel room in Honolulu, Hawaii, agents discovered a thumb drive containing deleted classified information. The investigation further revealed that Lee kept meticulous notes about his time as a CIA case officer, including operational details and asset information.

“Today’s guilty plea is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement and intelligence community partners,” said Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to undermine America’s security.”