Two foreign nationals have been charged with stalking a Los Angeles artist who has publicly criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping. Federal officials announced the charges on June 6, 2025, detailing a plot that involved harassment and intimidation.
The individuals charged are Cui Guanghai, 43, from China, and John Miller, 63, a British citizen and lawful permanent resident of the U.S. They face multiple charges, including interstate stalking, conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act. If convicted, they could face significant prison time, with potential sentences ranging from five to twenty years.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Cui and Miller allegedly conspired to interfere with the artist’s free speech rights. Their actions were reportedly aimed at silencing the artist, who had been vocal about the Chinese government’s actions. The FBI stated that the defendants also attempted to obtain sensitive U.S. military technology for export to China.
Court documents reveal that the defendants hired two individuals to carry out their plan, unaware that those individuals were working with the FBI. Their tactics included surveilling the artist, installing a tracking device on their vehicle, and vandalizing property associated with the artist, including slashing tires and destroying sculptures that depicted Xi Jinping.
In a further attempt to intimidate the artist, Cui and Miller allegedly offered $36,500 to persuade the artist not to showcase their work, which included statues that criticized Xi and his administration. This scheme began in late 2023, coinciding with the artist’s plans to protest at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
The investigation also uncovered plans to smuggle U.S. defense articles, including drones and cryptographic devices, out of the country. They discussed various methods of concealment for these items, including hiding them in everyday appliances.
This case highlights the lengths to which some individuals may go to suppress dissent and the ongoing concerns regarding international espionage and harassment linked to foreign governments. The charges against Cui and Miller reflect a broader issue of how free speech is protected in the U.S. and the potential threats faced by those who criticize authoritarian regimes.