Chinese student accused of photographing U.S. planes on road trip from Vancouver

A U.S. Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft takes off from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, July 10, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Skovo)

A college student from China has been charged with illegally photographing U.S. military aircraft while on a road trip that authorities say began in Vancouver.

Tianrui Liang, 21, was arrested at a New York airport on April 7 while trying to leave the U.S. for Scotland, where he is enrolled in school, according to a U.S. court filing.

The FBI says in the document that Liang admitted to taking photos of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance plane and a highly sensitive E-4B—sometimes referred to as the “Doomsday Plane”—from the side of a public road near Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

Investigators say Liang was also present at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in the days before travelling to Nebraska.

“Offutt Air Force Base is a key base in the Air Force’s Strategic Command,” the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release Thursday, referring to the military wing responsible for U.S. missile defence and nuclear deterrence.

The E-4B, also known as “Nightwatch,” is a militarized Boeing 747 that can serve as national command centre for the U.S. president and military during a national emergency, according to the air force.

Liang entered the U.S. by car on March 28 after flying into Vancouver and then crossing the border into Washington state on a valid visa, the release said.

After being confronted by the FBI in Nebraska, Liang drove to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, where agents were waiting with an arrest warrant. “The arrest warrant was pursued to prevent Liang fleeing the country while the investigation was ongoing,” the release said.

Authorities said the investigation into Liang’s activities is ongoing and “more serious charges” could be forthcoming if supported by the evidence.

“Any individuals who unlawfully attempt to acquire sensitive information about military aircraft located in the District of Nebraska will be held maximumly accountable under federal law,” U.S. attorney Lesley Woods said in a statement.

If convicted, Liang could face up to 12 months in jail.

With files from the Associated Press