A U.S. Navy sailor based in California has been found guilty of espionage after selling military secrets to a Chinese individual who approached him via social media.
Jinchao Wei, 25 years old, was found guilty of six offenses, such as espionage, plotting to commit espionage, and illegally exporting sensitive information regarding US Navy vessels.
"The defendant's behavior constitutes a serious violation of the trust he was given as a member of the US military," said US Attorney Adam Gordon in a statement following the verdict.
By selling military secrets to the People's Republic of China in exchange for money, he put at risk not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the safety of the whole country and our allies.
Patrick Wei, also referred to as Patrick Wei, was taken into custody in August 2023 on allegations of espionage while he was heading to his job aboard the amphibious assault ship, the USS Essex.
A U.S. citizen by naturalization, Wei worked as a machinist's assistant, possessed a security clearance, and was granted access to confidential details regarding the ship and other vessels in the Pacific Fleet.
Throughout his week-long trial, the prosecution introduced evidence such as phone calls, electronic communications, and voice messages that Wei had shared with his Chinese contact.
Wei referred to his Chinese contact as "Big Brother Andy" and fulfilled requests to maintain their relationship's confidentiality by utilizing various encrypted applications for communication and receiving payments. Wei also used a fresh computer and phone supplied by his handler.
A conversation between Wei and his mother was shown to demonstrate that Wei realized he was engaged in espionage.
"Other Chinese individuals serving in the U.S. Navy are still trying to figure out how to earn additional income, and they drive taxis. Whereas I am simply leaking secrets," Wei texted his mother.
She responded: "Good job!"
In February 2022, while Wei was in the process of obtaining US citizenship, he was contacted by a Chinese intelligence officer.
He was approached by a Chinese intelligence officer through social media, initially presenting himself as a naval enthusiast employed by the state-run China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.
Evidence indicated that Wei provided photographs and videos of the Essex, informed the officer about the locations of several Navy ships, and explained the defensive weapons aboard the Essex. He also discussed issues with his ship and other vessels.
As a result of this information, the Chinese intelligence agent provided Wei with over $12,000 during an 18-month period. Wei is set to receive a sentence on December 1st and may be sentenced to life in prison.
Wei was not available for comment. The has contacted Wei's attorney for a response.
Wei was taken into custody in 2023 together with Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao., who was detained on allegations of receiving over $14,800 for transmitting confidential images and videos to a Chinese intelligence agent.
Prosecutors stated that Zhao shared "details of a major naval training operation in the Pacific region, operational directives, and electrical schematics and designs for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system situated in Okinawa, Japan."
Zhao was convicted last year and received a 27-month prison sentence.