An NYPD sergeant, Zhu Jiang, is at the center of an investigation by the FBI over allegations of espionage involving the Chinese government.
The Daily Mail reported that the sergeant, although not under arrest, has been suspended without pay in connection to the claims.
Zhu Jiang, serving in the detective bureau of the New York City Police Department, has found himself under the scrutiny of federal authorities. The accusations suggest he was involved in spying activities for China, prompting the FBI to launch an investigation.
Jiang's role within the NYPD places him in a unit focused on healthcare fraud investigations, granting him access to highly classified information. This situation poses significant concerns given the nature of the espionage allegations.
The sergeant operates from the Jacob K. Javitz Building at 26 Federal Plaza, a location notable for housing the FBI’s New York field office. This proximity has raised further questions about potential breaches within the department.
Jiang previously gained media attention in a 2016 Chinese-language article in the Epoch Times. This piece highlighted his position as the NYPD’s neighborhood coordinator for Brooklyn's Eighth Avenue, noted for incidents affecting residents of Chinese descent.
His selection for this position was due to his proficiency in the Fuzhou dialect, a common language in the area. This unique capability made him an asset in community policing at the time.
Despite multiple attempts, DailyMail.com was unsuccessful in reaching Jiang for comments on the allegations. Sources confirm that he is under investigation for potentially engaging in espionage activities.
This situation is reminiscent of another case within the past year involving Lt. Steven Li, who faced similar accusations. Li, employed by the Internal Affairs Bureau, had facilitated a meeting between a Chinese official and a woman identified only as Huang.
The Chinese official, Sun Hoi Ying, was allegedly part of Operation Fox Hunt, an initiative aiming to persuade fugitives to return to China. Huang, targeted by the Chinese government, was accused of embezzling funds and investing them in properties in China.
Even though the inquiry cleared Li of acting directly as an agent for China, he faced consequences for providing false statements and neglecting to report an ongoing FBI investigation. Li was eventually terminated from the NYPD last May.
Jiang remains uncharged and out of police custody as the investigation continues. The department has nonetheless suspended him without pay, reflecting the severity of these accusations.
Sources, familiar with the investigative process, reveal that the focus remains on connecting evidence to confirm espionage activities. The investigation continues to scrutinize Jiang’s activities thoroughly.
Details regarding when potential charges might be laid remain undisclosed. The complex nature of espionage cases typically necessitates meticulous examination before any legal action is initiated.
The NYPD has yet again found itself under the spotlight amid concerns about potential espionage within its ranks, following last year’s incident involving Li. These events have prompted the department to review its internal protocols on security measures.
The NYPD stated that while they are cooperating fully with federal authorities in the ongoing investigation, they aim to enforce policies that maintain the integrity and trust of the public institution.
