Former New York police sergeant, Michael McMahon, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in a transcontinental pressure campaign orchestrated by China to force a former Chinese city official to return to his homeland. McMahon claimed he was unknowingly used by Chinese operatives when he took on what he thought was a routine private investigation job in 2016. The tactics used in this case included Facebook messages and a threatening note left on the man’s door in New Jersey. McMahon was among 10 individuals charged in the case, part of the broader “Operation Fox Hunt” initiative by China that the U.S. considers as transnational repression.
During his sentencing, McMahon expressed remorse for his actions and maintained that he was deceived by his clients about the true nature of the investigation. The judge, Pamela Chen, noted that McMahon knowingly aided in harming the targeted man, Xu Jin, and his family, as well as compromising U.S. national security. McMahon’s attorney argued that his client missed “red flags” and wouldn’t have taken the job if he knew about China’s involvement.
The case highlighted the contentious relationship between China and the U.S., with Beijing denying any wrongdoing and accusing McMahon of going rogue. McMahon’s sentencing drew support from two members of Congress who believed in his innocence and urged the judge to spare him from prison. Despite the support, McMahon was ultimately sentenced to 18 months in prison, while two other individuals involved in the scheme received shorter sentences.
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