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Prosecutors in California announced on Thursday that two US Navy sailors have been arrested and charged with exchanging sensitive military information with the Chinese government in return for financial compensation.
Jinchao Wei, a machinist’s mate stationed at a naval base in San Diego, is accused of transmitting photos, videos, technical manuals, and documents of an amphibious assault ship to an unidentified Chinese intelligence officer.
Wenheng Zhao, a petty officer based at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, faces separate charges for providing sensitive military intel to an individual posing as a maritime economic researcher but was actually a Chinese intelligence officer.
Wei, also known as Patrick, was assigned to the USS Essex, an assault ship with capabilities similar to a small aircraft carrier. Allegedly, he shared information regarding potential vulnerabilities of Navy vessels with the Chinese agent, utilizing encrypted communication methods.
Zhao, also known as Thomas, worked at a facility in central California near a sea range with a focus on missile testing and the development of freefall weapons and electronic warfare systems. His responsibilities involved the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical equipment.
When asked by a Chinese agent to gather information about a large-scale military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, Zhao allegedly provided photographs of diagrams, blueprints, and computer screens displaying operational orders, among other documents.
“These individuals are accused of betraying their commitment to protect the United States and undermining public trust for the benefit of the Chinese government,” stated Matthew Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
“The Department of Justice will utilize all available resources to counter Chinese threats and deter those who assist them in violating our laws and jeopardizing national security,” Olsen added.
No immediate response was received from Zhao’s lawyer, and Wei’s lawyer remains unidentified.
In recent years, the FBI has actively pursued cases involving suspected espionage by members of the US military and intelligence agencies. While some prosecuted cases have had limited impact on the US, others have garnered attention due to potential harm caused.
One notable case involved former CIA operative Jerry Lee, who conspired to spy for China. Lee provided China’s Ministry for State Security with names of Chinese individuals recruited by the CIA. This action reportedly aided Beijing in identifying and, in some cases, apprehending and executing Chinese nationals spying for the US.
Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, CIA Director Bill Burns acknowledged the agency’s efforts to rebuild its intelligence network in China after suffering setbacks approximately a decade ago. Burns emphasized the significance of a robust human intelligence capability alongside other methods of gathering information.
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