In the past year, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has established new law enforcement cooperative relationships with China and Russia to jointly combat transnational crimes such as fentanyl and child sexual exploitation. However, this cooperation has also raised concerns within US counterintelligence circles over increasing national security risks.
The related operations involve personnel collaboration, including Chinese law enforcement officers coming to the US for exchanges, and FBI agents visiting China to work on cases together and share intelligence. In addition, both sides have jointly carried out raids and arrest operations under the cooperation framework.
FBI officials revealed that FBI Director Patel is scheduled to visit Russia in October after completing his trip to Beijing in late July.
Current cooperation began with President Trump's visit to China in May 2025, after which Patel also visited China twice. Patel said the scope of cooperation has now expanded to four working groups, including cyber fraud, violent crimes against children, anti-drug initiatives, and fugitive apprehension.
Patel stated that he has invited officials from China’s Ministry of Public Security to multiple FBI facilities in the US to share intelligence and investigative information as part of the cooperation.
Patel emphasized that the scope of intelligence exchange is very limited, restricted only to the four types of transnational crimes mentioned above, and is built on the basis of mutual and reciprocal sharing. He also said that these new partners will not replace the "Five Eyes" alliance comprised of the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.
However, former FBI official Krauco said, “China and Russia are our enemies. They are actively working to harm the US from physical, economic, and military dimensions.”
He said there are enormous risks in allowing Chinese officials access to the US intelligence system, diplomatic personnel, government facilities, and contractors. Both Chinese and Russian intelligence officers could use these opportunities to infiltrate US agencies.
Krauco said, “For them, this is the best cover.”