A veteran US department employee on Wednesday was charged by the FBI about concealing her contacts with Chinese intelligence agents, who allegedly offered her financial rewards in exchange of the sensitive information's.  

Candace Claiborne, 60, was arrested on Tuesday by the FBI officials, following which she was immediately subjected to an hour long interrogation. She had been working with the U.S. state department since 1999 in a important position that made her privy to several sensitive information's.  

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During the interrogation, Claiborne admitted of being in touch with two Chinese intelligence officials, who offered her tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and benefits for over period of five years. She later admitted of handing over unclassified economic reports to the Chinese agents, for which she allegedly received $2,500 (£2,010).

The accused also revealed that she provided information about a dissident who was being secretly kept at the embassy, according to a criminal complaint filed by Kellie O'Brien, an FBI counter-intelligence agent.

The FBI criminal complaint further states that in addition to cash rewards, Claiborne received expensive gifts such as Apple iPhone and laptop, international travel and vacations, a fully furnished apartment and a monthly stipend.

She allegedly failed to report about these expensive gifts and financial rewards to her seniors.  

Claiborne pleads not guilty at the court

Claiborne was produced at the US district court in Columbia on Wednesday. During the proceedings, the U.S. Attorney Channing Phillips accused Claiborne of receiving training and briefing from her Chinese masters.    

However, Claiborne pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against her at the court. The next hearing in the court has been set for 18 April.

If  all charges are proven at the court, she may be convicted for 20 years for obstructing an official proceeding and additional five years for making false statement to the FBI.      

Tagschina, China and U.S., US Department Employee, Chinese Intelligence Agencies