DOJ reveals double agent sting operation against Chinese intelligence officers

• "They did not succeed," he added.

The big picture: Among the charges unsealed Monday, Garland said two intelligence officers allegedly obstructed a criminal prosecution against a global telecommunications company based in China.

• Gouchun He and Zheng Wang "allegedly orchestrated a scheme to steal files and other information" from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York related to the investigation of the telecommunications company, per the DOJ.
• "This was an egregious attempt by PRC intelligence officers to shield a PRC-based company from accountability and to undermine the integrity of our judicial system," Garland said Monday.
• "The complaint alleges that in 2019, the defendants directed an employee at a U.S. government law enforcement agency to steal confidential information about the United States," Garland said.
• "The defendants believed that they had recruited the U.S. employee as an asset, but in fact, the individual they recruited was actually a double agent, working on behalf of the FBI."

What they're saying: "The cases unsealed today take place against a backdrop of malign activity from the People's Republic of China," Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said.

• "That includes espionage, harassment, obstruction of our justice system and unceasing efforts to steal sensitive us technology."

Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.