In a troubling case of espionage, Jinchao Wei, a U.S. Navy sailor, has been convicted of attempting to sell sensitive military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer. This incident, announced by the Department of Justice on August 20, underscores the persistent threat of foreign espionage from adversaries like China.
Wei, stationed at Naval Base San Diego, agreed to sell national defense information for a sum of $12,000. He was found guilty of six charges, including espionage and unlawful export of technical data, and was acquitted of one count of naturalization fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for December 1.
The DOJ’s statement highlights Wei’s hazardous role as a machinist’s mate, where he had access to critical information about the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship, the U.S.S. Essex. The consequences of this betrayal are severe, as these ships play a vital role in U.S. military operations.
According to the DOJ, Wei was recruited by a Chinese intelligence officer in February 2022 via social media, initially posing as a naval enthusiast. Despite his suspicions regarding the officer’s true intentions, Wei continued to communicate with him and even sought a more secure method of communication for their exchanges. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in preventing sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
Throughout the course of his espionage activities, Wei informed the intelligence officer about the locations of various Navy ships, detailed the Essex’s defensive weapons, and shared thousands of pages of technical information acquired through his position. Such revelations could severely compromise U.S. national security, particularly in the event of conflict.
Wei’s actions have significant ramifications, not only for his future—potentially facing life in prison and hefty fines—but also for the integrity of military operations. The Department of Justice has reiterated the seriousness of these offenses and the continued vigilance required to protect national defense secrets.
"*" indicates required fields
