Thomas Weir Pauken II (2019-2025)

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Thomas Pauken II lived in the PRC for more than a decade.  During that time, he was a journalist for China Radio International, China Global Television Network, and as of 2024, an editor for Xinhua News Agency. Pauken is married to Zhou Yawei, a Chinese national. They have a son.

The Ministry of State Security recruited Pauken in 2019.[1]  His primary MSS handler was Cathy.  Cathy gave him taskings when he traveled back to the US, Pauken met with potential human sources in the US and provided Cathy with reports from HUMINT sources in the US.  He delivered a laptop and Samsung cellphone (and Baidu Netdisk password) for communication with a source in the US.[2] The cellphone had two encrypted messaging applications installed, both of which were connected to a user with usernames "Catherine" and "Cathy." On one occasion, Pauken delivered a SIM card to a co-conspirator in the US. The individual lost the SIM card, and Cathy instructed Pauken to purchase another SIM card for that source. The SIM card was for the cooperating individual to set up a Telegram account to speak with Cathy.

Pauken received at least $100,000 for his work with Cathy (also MSS officers Richard and William).  The MSS cover was that Cathy consulted for a think tank closely connected to the Chinese government.  Pauken could not remember the name of the think tank but believed it to be a part of Jiao Tong University or Fudan University.     

Cathy primarily communicated with Pauken through WeChat, Signal, Telegram, or in person. She told him that she cannot visit the United States and had specifically instructed him not to talk about her while he was in the US. Pauken did not know Cathy's Chinese name. Early on in their relationship, Cathy expressed interest in obtaining classified material from Pauken.[3]  Pauken made several trips to the US between 2019 through 2025.  Cathy would usually pay for Pauken's trips ($7,000 to $8,000 per trip). Cathy often wired her payments to Pauken’s wife's bank accounts.

In 2022 or 2023, the MSS administered Pauken a polygraph exam. Pauken did not immediately agree to the test, but after two months Cathy convinced him stating the reports were going to Xi Jinping and they had to ensure reliability. During the test, Pauken was asked approximately 10 questions that required yes or no answers. The MSS asked Pauken if he was spying against the PRC and if he worked for the CIA.

Pauken sent written reports or recorded interviews to Cathy through Telegram or WeChat encrypted applications. After Cathy confirmed that she received the reports, Pauken then recalled the messages. Cathy instructed Pauken to always recall the messages.  Cathy also instructed Pauken to upload a picture of the sky to a messaging platform once Pauken landed in the United States. This action would notify Cathy that he made it through CBP without incident.

Pauken previously sold reports to a group of Chinese individuals who were from Wuhan. His Wuhan clients mainly sought information about technology and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Wuhan clients wanted Pauken to find an expert who would help them engage in cyber espionage. Pauken stated that his point of contact for the Wuhan clients "works for State Security."

Status: Alleged

Tradecraft

• Used commercial encryption WeChat, Signal, and Telegraph

• Recalled messages on WeChat and Telegram

• The MSS used a PRC university affiliated Think Tank for cover

• Payments made through wife’s bank account [4]

• Recruited in China

• Signal using online platform to indicate safe arrival

• In-person meetings in China

• Use of cloud server (Baidu Netdisk) in China

• Use of clean SIM card

• Use of MSS provided Samsung cellphone for covert communications

• MSS use of polygraph to vet source.

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[1] Pauken was of interest to the MSS because his father served as chairman of the Texas Republican Party from 1994 to 1997 when the party leaped to majority status at the statewide level. Pauken (senior) ran for Governor in Texas and served on President Ronald W. Reagan's White House staff.

[2] Netdisk is a cloud server owned by the PRC company Baidu. 

[3] Pauken claimed the FBI he said that he did not have access to any classified information, nor did he intend to obtain any classified information.

[4] Same tradecraft as used in the case of former State Dept employee Michael Schena