A Chinese citizen was apprehended at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport after federal investigators alleged he captured images of sensitive military aircraft near Nebraska’s Offutt Air Force Base. Authorities believe he intended to target another military site before leaving the U.S.
The individual, 21-year-old Tianrui Liang, faces charges of breaching federal regulations that prohibit unauthorized photography of defense facilities, according to legal documents from the Eastern District of New York.
Liang’s arrest occurred on April 7 as he attempted to board a flight abroad, following a warrant issued in Nebraska just a few days earlier.
This case focuses on activities near Offutt Air Force Base, a critical location for the U.S. Strategic Command, which is among the Pentagon’s most crucial installations.
Per an affidavit from the FBI, the investigation began after a witness reported spotting “a male with a camera equipped with a telescopic lens” in proximity to the base, where military aircraft are stationed on the flight line.
Offutt Air Force Base is home to significant reconnaissance and command aircraft, including the RC-135 surveillance plane and the E-4B “Nightwatch,” commonly known as the military’s “doomsday plane.”
Federal agents say Liang later admitted to photographing several aircraft at the base, “including the RC-135 and the E-4B.”
Liang told investigators he used a “planespotter” website to identify photography locations and said the images were for his “personal collection,” according to the affidavit.
Authorities allege he knowingly photographed restricted military assets without permission.
“He knew it was illegal to take pictures of the planes on the ground,” the affidavit states.
Investigators said a subsequent review of his camera revealed “numerous photographs of planes located on the OAFB flightline,” including images of military aircraft parked on the base.
Liang was a student at Glasgow University in Scotland, according to investigators, and had recently traveled through Canada before entering the United States.
Authorities say Liang entered the United States via Canada and was later found near Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
Investigators allege he planned to travel to Oklahoma to photograph additional aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base, including the E-4B.
Investigators said Liang specifically sought out locations where he could view and photograph aircraft from outside military installations.
The law prohibits photographing military installations without approval from a base commander. Prosecutors say there is “probable cause to believe” Liang photographed aircraft at Offutt Air Force Base without that approval.
The affidavit does not allege Liang was acting on behalf of any foreign government.
