Former New York police sergeant Michael McMahon was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in a case related to China’s pursuit of critics abroad. McMahon was found guilty of contributing to a campaign to get a former Chinese city official to return to China, involving tactics such as Facebook messages and threatening notes. McMahon claimed he was unknowingly used by Chinese operatives and had lost everything as a result.
McMahon was one of 10 people charged in the case, which was the first trial stemming from the US claims about China’s “Operation Fox Hunt” initiative. US District Judge Pamela Chen stated that McMahon aided in a campaign of transnational repression that harmed the targeted man, his family, and the United States’ national security. McMahon acknowledged his involvement in searching databases and conducting surveillance but claimed he was misled about the true nature of the investigation.
Despite seeking support from two US Congress members and expressing remorse during sentencing, McMahon was ultimately sentenced to 18 months in prison. Two others involved in the case were also sentenced to prison time. McMahon’s lawyer argued that he missed red flags and was deceived by his clients, insisting McMahon is innocent and a patriot. Five others charged in the case are believed to be in China, while three have pleaded guilty. McMahon is set to report to prison in June.
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