Li’s espionage expanded in 2015 when his MSS handler, a childhood friend, sought insights into Li’s employer, described in court documents as a major U.S. telecommunications company. The handler also requested information about U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and their operations, including an unnamed environmental group active in Southeast Asia.
While much of the information Li provided was publicly available, prosecutors emphasized the gravity of his role in aiding a foreign intelligence service.
Legal Arguments and Sentencing
Li’s defense argued for leniency, asserting that he was unpaid for his work, did not directly support the Chinese government, and cooperated with law enforcement after his arrest. Defense attorney Daniel J. Fernandez claimed Li only shared information available through basic online searches and argued his conduct was less severe than that of others charged with similar crimes.
Prosecutors, however, requested a four-year sentence and a $250,000 fine, citing the need to deter others from aiding foreign adversaries. Judge Merryday ultimately sided with the government’s recommendation, setting Jan. 8, 2025, as Li’s prison reporting date.
