Ex-NYPD Sergeant Jailed for Chinese Espionage Scheme

Former NYPD sergeant Michael McMahon was sentenced to 18 months in prison after his conviction for acting as an illegal agent for China as part of 'Operation Fox Hunt,' a Chinese initiative to repatriate alleged fugitives. McMahon was hired as a private investigator and found guilty of interstate stalking and acting as a foreign agent without proper registration, but acquitted of conspiracy. He maintained he was unaware of his client's ties to the Chinese government and believed he was helping recover embezzled funds. The sentencing took place despite appeals for leniency from two Republican congressmen who cited McMahon's service and family commitments. The case highlights the Biden administration’s focus on criminal prosecution of transnational repression, while the Trump administration has indicated a possible shift toward less criminal enforcement in such cases. McMahon’s co-defendants received comparable sentences, reflecting concerns over foreign governments targeting dissidents in the U.S.