U.S. Navy Sailor Convicted of Selling Military Secrets to Chinese Intelligence Officer

A U.S. Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, has been convicted of selling military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer. The jury found him guilty on six counts, including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and the unlawful export of technical data related to U.S. defense vehicles. Wei received $12,000 in exchange for the information.

Wei, a machinist's mate stationed at Naval Base San Diego, held a security clearance that granted him access to sensitive information about the operations and capabilities of the U.S.S. Essex, an amphibious assault ship. Federal prosecutors presented evidence that Wei was contacted via social media in February 2022 by an individual posing as a naval enthusiast, who was in reality a Chinese intelligence officer.

Over the following months, until his arrest in August 2023, Wei provided the officer with photographs, videos, and details about the ship's weapons, movements, and potential vulnerabilities. He also shared information about other Navy vessels obtained from restricted computer systems. The Chinese agent paid him a total of $12,000 during this period.

Prosecutors also revealed that Wei and the Chinese agent attempted to conceal their communications. They used encrypted applications and multiple online accounts to facilitate payments. Wei referred to the agent as "Big Brother Andy" and utilized digital "dead drops" and a computer and phone provided by the agent.

Wei admitted to another U.S. Navy sailor that he had been asked to spy for the Chinese government. After his arrest, when questioned by FBI investigators about his actions, Wei responded, "Espionage," and added, "I'm screwed."

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg stated that Wei betrayed his oath and country for money. Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1st, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Wei's lawyer stated that his client made errors in judgment and was naive. He claimed that Wei loves America and has no allegiance to China, believing he was selling information for the personal benefit of the recipient. The lawyer also stated that the information Wei sold had "absolutely no effect on national security."

The Chinese official's actions are part of a growing trend in Chinese covert activities known as "virtual espionage." This involves Chinese intelligence officers targeting individuals of interest on social media to extract sensitive information.

In related cases, two active-duty U.S. soldiers and one former soldier were arrested in March for allegedly selling state secrets to foreign countries, including China. Another U.S. Navy petty officer pleaded guilty in a separate 2024 case to sharing sensitive information after being contacted on the Chinese-owned social media network WeChat.