The Slow Newscast China’s shadow war: Ice picks in suburbia | Episode Three
Apr 2, 2026
A businessman living a double life allegedly plots violent attacks with ice picks and clandestine surveillance. The story traces eerie ties between small-town life, foreign influence and transnational repression. A midnight escape, a mysterious private jet and political meddling in Serbia add high-stakes intrigue.
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Businessman Recorded Plotting Ice Pick Attack
- John Miller, a Tunbridge Wells businessman, is secretly recorded planning violent attacks on a Chinese dissident while thinking he speaks to an operative.
- The recordings include explicit talk of using ice picks to maim knees and ankles and staging it as a mugging, showing the brutality allegedly discussed.
Small Tasks Escalated Into Direct Action
- Miller escalated from organising pro-China protesters to plotting direct action after meetings with alleged Chinese officials.
- FBI affidavits claim Miller was told Beijing wanted him promoted to carry out more serious operations around Xi's US visit.
Staged Pro China Protest In Los Angeles
- In April 2023 Miller allegedly hired actors to stage pro-China protests in Los Angeles during Taiwan's president visit.
- The affidavit includes photos of about ten protesters holding scripted signs like Don't Let Taiwan Become Ukraine.