The Sixth Bureau, Episode 1: Your Friend From Nanjing

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• The episode introduces a consensual body recording of an interaction between an undercover FBI agent (posing as "Chen") and an alleged Chinese intelligence operative, Ji Chaoqin, on April 25th, 2018, in Chicago.  Copied to clipboard!
• The interaction was a sting operation designed to exploit the recent arrest of Ji's handler, Xu Yanjun, a Ministry of State Security (MSS) officer, to gain intelligence and warn Ji to cease communications.  Copied to clipboard!
• The arrest and subsequent access to Xu Yanjun's records provided an unprecedented, historical view into the inner workings of the MSS, which is focused on stealing advanced technology like jet engine specifications from the U.S.  Copied to clipboard!

Segments Expand All Collapse All

Consensual Recording Begins

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(00:00:24)

• Key Takeaway: The recording captures the start of an FBI sting operation involving Ji Chaoqin on April 25th, 2018.
• Summary: The recording is explicitly stated as a consensual body recording involving the subject G Chow Chun. The scene is set in Chicago where an individual in a red Chevy Malibu waits for Ji Chaoqin outside an apartment complex. The initial contact uses Mandarin and a code phrase referencing Nanjing to establish trust.

Code Phrase Confirmation

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(00:01:36)

• Key Takeaway: The reference to “Nanjing” serves as a critical code word confirming shared contacts within the intelligence network.
• Summary: The phrase “You are a friend from Nanjing” acts as a coded signal, which Ji Chaoqin immediately understands, causing his demeanor to relax. This confirms the operative’s identity as a trusted contact from their shared network. The interaction moves from initial confusion to closer engagement after the code is recognized.

Handler Arrest Revelation

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(00:02:18)

• Key Takeaway: The undercover agent reveals the arrest of Xu Yanjun, Ji’s MSS handler, using a Belgian newspaper article as proof.
• Summary: The agent, posing as Chen, informs Ji that something happened to Xu Yanjun, who is confirmed to be an MSS officer like Ji. Chen states he was sent because the MSS leadership does not know how Xu’s cover was blown. Chen instructs Ji to stop all current communications immediately due to potential danger.

FBI Takeover and Hotel Move

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(00:02:50)

• Key Takeaway: The undercover agent successfully pressures Ji into moving the sensitive conversation from the street to a nearby Hyatt hotel room.
• Summary: Chen pushes Ji to move to a more private location, suggesting a room at the Hyatt, despite Ji’s initial reluctance due to time constraints. The narrator confirms that the entire interaction was being watched by other agents. A camera was placed in the hotel room before Ji arrived, indicating the meeting was fully controlled by law enforcement.

MSS Structure and Espionage Target

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(00:04:47)

• Key Takeaway: Xu Yanjun was a key MSS officer running global operations, and the primary target of his espionage mission was U.S. jet engine technology.
• Summary: The segment confirms that both Ji and Xu work for the MSS, the world’s largest intelligence agency, whose operatives are typically “ghosts.” Xu’s case was historic as the first MSS officer convicted on U.S. soil, providing terabytes of internal documents. China views mastering jet engine technology as a national priority, making it a key target for MSS theft.

Scope of Chinese Espionage

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(00:10:01)

• Key Takeaway: Chinese espionage is described as a massive, systematic transfer of wealth aimed at replacing the U.S. as the world’s sole superpower.
• Summary: The scale of Chinese espionage is characterized as shocking and outrageous to the American public, resulting in the largest transfer of wealth in human history. This theft allows Chinese companies to undercut American businesses, leading to job losses. The ultimate goal stated is for China to become the world’s only superpower.

Episode Introduction and Conclusion

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(00:11:25)

• Key Takeaway: The episode officially introduces the series, focusing on how one MSS officer’s mistakes opened up the agency’s secrets.
• Summary: The hosts, Jordan Robertson and Drake Bennett, introduce the series, promising an inside look at the MSS through the lens of Xu Yanjun’s case. The narrative highlights that the recording was almost a stroke of luck, as the subject failed to turn off the recording device in the hotel. The next episode will explore the exploitation of human vulnerabilities in espionage.