The United States arrests former Intelligence Agency officer, wants to spy on China

Ron Rockwell Hansen, 58, was arrested on his way to the airport in Seattle, from where he would fly to China.

The US Justice Department said Hansen is accused of trying to transmit information about national protection and of getting at least 800 grand to act as an agent of China.

Deputy Attorney General Yihn Demers said Hansen's alleged actions are “barriers to national security” and “reference to his former intelligence colleagues”.

If convicted of attempted spying, Hansen faces the maximum sentence: life imprisonment.