Reporters covering a Chinese dissident in Europe were accused of making bomb threats. An NPR investigation now has them wondering if it was the work of the Chinese government or someone else.

Summary

Wang Jingyu, a Chinese dissident once widely covered as a victim of Communist Party harassment, is now accused of fabricating bomb threats and deceiving reporters and activists.

Dutch journalist Marije Vlaskamp and others initially suspected Chinese state involvement when bomb threats were made in their names.

However, NPR investigations revealed Wang’s use of forged documents and possible involvement in financial cons.

Major outlets, including de Volkskrant and Radio Free Asia, have retracted or amended stories featuring Wang, with reporters citing damage to their credibility after being misled by him.