A Chinese national has been charged with illegally documenting military aircraft at a key U.S. Air Force installation in Nebraska, federal prosecutors announced.
Tianrui Liang, 21, of China, faces a federal charge for allegedly documenting Air Force planes at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska, according to U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. Offutt is home to the Air Force’s Strategic Command.
Investigators say Mr. Liang was also present at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in the days before traveling to Nebraska. He entered the United States on March 28, crossing the Canadian border from Vancouver into Washington state on a B1/B2 visa.
After being confronted by FBI agents in Nebraska, Mr. Liang drove to New York, according to a complaint affidavit filed in the District of Nebraska. Federal agents obtained an arrest warrant and took Liang into custody April 7 at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Mr. Liang appeared before a federal magistrate judge in the Eastern District of New York, who released him over government objections. Prosecutors in Nebraska appealed, and the Chief District Court Judge for the District of Nebraska overturned the release order. Mr. Liang was returned to federal custody April 10 and is being transported to Nebraska for further proceedings. He is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
“Any individuals who unlawfully attempt to acquire sensitive information about military aircraft located in the District of Nebraska will be held maximumly accountable under federal law,” Ms. Woods said.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald Kleine and Matt Lierman, with assistance from Trial Attorney Brendan P. Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The FBI is leading the investigation.
Authorities said the arrest warrant was pursued to prevent Liang from fleeing the country while the investigation continues. Prosecutors indicated they are still examining whether more serious charges are warranted based on the facts of the case.
Mr. Liang has not been convicted and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charge, he faces up to one year in federal prison.
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