CI Press, Episode 89: Chasing Chi: Inside the FBI Investigation That Reshaped Chinese Counterintelligence Cases

In this episode of CI Press, co-hosts Ryan Rambo and Scott Sparks sit down with retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent James “Jim” Gaylord to unpack his book Chasing Chi and the landmark espionage investigation of Chi Mak.

Jim walks listeners through the painstaking realities of counterintelligence work from opening an Unknown Subject (UNSUB) case and conducting trash pulls and covert entries, to securing FISA warrants and navigating complex courtroom strategy. The conversation highlights how years of disciplined tradecraft, combined with close interagency cooperation across NCIS, ICE, DOJ, and others, ultimately led to multiple espionage-related convictions.

Beyond the case itself, Jim reflects on how the Chi Mak investigation changed the way Chinese espionage cases are pursued, the evolution of CI tools and charging strategies, why prosecution matters as a deterrent, and where counterintelligence efforts must focus in the years ahead.