Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Stealing secrets was a family affair for Chi Mak. As a cleared defense engineer designing sensitive power systems for US Navy warships, Chi had access to the most cutting-edge advancements in American naval technology. For decades, and with the help of his family, he used this access to pass US military secrets to China's intelligence services, thereby endangering American soldiers, sailors, and aviators. Once the FBI learned of this betrayal, Chi and his circle became subjects of an extensive years-long investigation, culminating in a late-night airport arrest to prevent US military secrets from being lost forever. By the investigation's end, Chi Mak and five others had been arrested and convicted of stealing sensitive US naval, aerospace, and space technologies and providing them to the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Former FBI Special Agent and Supervisor James Gaylord ran this entire investigation and details his account in Chasing Chi: The FBI’s Groundbreaking Pursuit of China’s Most Prolific Spy Family. For over 30 years, Agent Gaylord led FBI counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations against every major hostile international threat. Hear his briefing on how the FBI, using nearly every covert technique possible, tracked and captured Chi, his family members, and an associate, and uncovered a plethora of PRC tradecraft to build the most successful prosecution of China’s spies ever.
This presentation was recorded live at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC on April 8, 2026.
Spy Museum's upcoming programs: spymuseum.org/calendar
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The Spy Museum does not endorse, approve, or support the opinions stated by guest speakers. Statements made by speakers do not represent the position or opinion of the International Spy Museum.
The International Spy Museum® is an independent nonprofit organization. Generous support from viewers like you fuel our nonprofit mission and make our collection, exhibits, and educational programs like this possible. DONATE here: bit.ly/3NUqU9C
Stealing secrets was a family affair for Chi Mak. As a cleared defense engineer designing sensitive power systems for US Navy warships, Chi had access to the most cutting-edge advancements in American naval technology. For decades, and with the help of his family, he used this access to pass US military secrets to China's intelligence services, thereby endangering American soldiers, sailors, and aviators. Once the FBI learned of this betrayal, Chi and his circle became subjects of an extensive years-long investigation, culminating in a late-night airport arrest to prevent US military secrets from being lost forever. By the investigation's end, Chi Mak and five others had been arrested and convicted of stealing sensitive US naval, aerospace, and space technologies and providing them to the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Former FBI Special Agent and Supervisor James Gaylord ran this entire investigation and details his account in Chasing Chi: The FBI’s Groundbreaking Pursuit of China’s Most Prolific Spy Family. For over 30 years, Agent Gaylord led FBI counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations against every major hostile international threat. Hear his briefing on how the FBI, using nearly every covert technique possible, tracked and captured Chi, his family members, and an associate, and uncovered a plethora of PRC tradecraft to build the most successful prosecution of China’s spies ever.
This presentation was recorded live at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC on April 8, 2026.
Spy Museum's upcoming programs: spymuseum.org/calendar
Follow us:
Facebook: facebook.com/IntlSpyMuseum
Twitter: twitter.com/intlspymuseum
Instagram: instagram.com/spymuseum
SpyCast: spymuseum.org/podcast
The Spy Museum does not endorse, approve, or support the opinions stated by guest speakers. Statements made by speakers do not represent the position or opinion of the International Spy Museum.
The International Spy Museum® is an independent nonprofit organization. Generous support from viewers like you fuel our nonprofit mission and make our collection, exhibits, and educational programs like this possible. DONATE here: bit.ly/3NUqU9C
