A US Navy sailor based in California has been convicted of espionage for providing classified military information to a Chinese agent who approached him through social media. Jinchao Wei, 25, was found guilty of six counts including espionage and conspiracy, in a case that has sparked serious national security concerns.
US Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the gravity of Wei's actions, stating, "The defendant's actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the US military." Prosecutors argued that by selling military secrets to the People's Republic of China, Wei not only endangered his fellow sailors but compromised the security of the entire nation and its allies.
Wei, who also goes by Patrick Wei, was arrested last August as he reported for duty aboard the amphibious assault ship, the USS Essex. As a naturalised citizen and machinist's mate, he held a security clearance allowing access to sensitive information about the ship and other vessels in the Pacific Fleet.
During the week-long trial, evidence was presented, consisting of phone calls, texts, and audio messages exchanged between Wei and his handler, a Chinese intelligence officer he referred to as "Big Brother Andy." The relationship required secrecy, leading Wei to use various encrypted applications to communicate and receive payments. Notably, he communicated with his mother about his espionage activities, textually revealing his awareness of the illegal nature of his actions.
Wei's recruitment began in February 2022 while he was transitioning to US citizenship. The Chinese agent initially pretended to be a naval enthusiast associated with the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Evidence revealed that Wei transmitted photographs and videos of USS Essex, disclosed locations of Navy ships, and detailed onboard defense systems. In return for his services, Wei received over $12,000 over the span of 18 months.
He is scheduled for sentencing on December 1, where he faces the possibility of life in prison. The case is a continued concern for US military officials, especially after the arrest of another sailor, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, who was charged in a similar context, having transmitted sensitive information in exchange for payments. Zhao, who was previously convicted, is currently serving a 27-month prison sentence. The ongoing espionage efforts highlight the persistent threats faced by the US Armed Forces in the context of national security.
