US Navy sailor convicted of espionage for selling secrets to China

A US Navy sailor in California has been convicted of espionage for providing classified information to a Chinese agent he met through social media.

Jinchao Wei, 25, was found guilty of six charges, including espionage, conspiracy to commit espionage, and the unlawful export of classified data concerning US Navy ships, Caliber.Az reports via BBC.

Prosecutors said Wei was paid more than $12,000 over 18 months by a Chinese intelligence officer who approached him in February 2022. The officer sought information about the USS Essex, on which Wei served, as well as other naval vessels.

US Attorney Adam Gordon described Wei’s actions as a severe breach of trust.

"The defendant's actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the US military," Gordon said. "By trading military secrets to the People's Republic of China for cash, he jeopardised not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies."

Wei, a naturalised US citizen and machinist’s mate with security clearance, had access to sensitive information about the Essex and other ships in the Pacific Fleet.

During a weeklong trial, prosecutors presented evidence including phone calls, electronic messages, and audio recordings between Wei and his Chinese handler.

Wei reportedly referred to the contact as "Big Brother Andy" and used multiple encrypted apps, along with a new computer and phone provided by the handler, to keep their communications and payments secret.

A text exchange with his mother showed Wei understood the gravity of his actions.

"Other Chinese serving in the US Navy are still trying to figure out how to make extra money, and driving cabs. Whereas I am just leaking secrets," Wei wrote. His mother replied: "Good job!"

Wei was recruited while undergoing the process of becoming a US citizen. The Chinese agent initially posed as a naval enthusiast employed by the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Wei shared photographs and videos of the Essex, the location of various Navy ships, details of their defensive weapons, and even described problems on board the vessels.

Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on 1 December and could face life in prison. His lawyer has not commented on the conviction.

Wei was arrested alongside Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, who previously received $14,800 for sending sensitive photos and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer.

Zhao provided "plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theatre, operational orders and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan," according to prosecutors. Zhao was found guilty last year and sentenced to 27 months in prison.

By Sabina Mammadli