John Chen and Lin Feng, Bribing IRS Official, California 2023

Los Angeles – John Chen and Lin Feng are facing federal charges for allegedly acting as illegal agents of the People’s Republic of China, caught in a brazen scheme to weaponize the IRS against practitioners of Falun Gong. The feds allege the pair attempted to bribe an IRS official to revoke the tax-exempt status of a US-based organization connected to the spiritual group, all under the direction of Beijing. This isn’t just about taxes; it’s a direct assault on dissent and a clear attempt to extend China’s repressive reach onto American soil.

According to the indictment, Chen and Feng weren’t just offering a little cash. They were participating in a meticulously planned, government-directed bribery operation. Falun Gong, a practice combining meditation and moral teachings, has been brutally suppressed in China since 1999, labeled an “evil cult” by the Communist Party. The feds say this persecution has now spilled over into the US, with Beijing actively working to silence its critics here. The alleged bribe was designed to cripple a key Falun Gong organization financially, effectively silencing their voice.

The operation hinged on a whistleblower complaint, cleverly disguised to appear legitimate. But federal prosecutors aren’t buying it. They claim Chen and Feng were tasked with pushing this complaint, using the bribe to ensure it gained traction within the IRS. The goal wasn’t about uncovering legitimate wrongdoing; it was about leveraging the power of the US tax system to punish a group Beijing deems undesirable. This demonstrates a disturbing willingness to operate outside the bounds of international norms and US law.

Both Chen and Feng were arrested in the Central District of California. They’re now facing serious charges: acting as unregistered agents of a foreign government, bribery, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face decades in prison. But the implications extend far beyond these two individuals. This case highlights a growing concern about China’s increasingly aggressive attempts to influence operations within the United States, targeting not just government officials but also private citizens and organizations.

Federal prosecutors are making it clear: they’re committed to investigating and prosecuting any effort by the PRC to silence critics or exert undue influence on US soil. This case is a warning shot, signaling that such actions will not be tolerated. The feds are digging deep, tracing the flow of funds and uncovering the full scope of the alleged operation, looking for connections to higher-ups within the Chinese government. This isn’t just about two men; it’s about a pattern of behavior that threatens US sovereignty.

The Falun Gong community has long documented the Chinese government’s relentless persecution. This case provides concrete evidence that the harassment extends to the US, utilizing clandestine tactics and financial incentives to achieve its goals. While the PRC routinely dismisses allegations of human rights abuses, the mounting evidence suggests a systematic effort to suppress dissent, both at home and abroad. Expect increased scrutiny of Chinese influence operations and a renewed push for stricter enforcement of foreign agent registration laws.

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