WASHINGTON, DC – Two Navy servicemen were indicted, in separate cases, alleging that both of the men had used their positions within the U.S. military to unlawfully transmit sensitive military information to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The fist of the two men indicted was identified as Navy sailor Jinchao Wei, aka Patrick Wei, who allegedly began communicating with a PRC intelligence officer back in February of 2022. At the request of the PRC intelligence officer, Wei allegedly provided photographs and videos of the U.S.S. Essex and other Navy ships to his PRC contact between March of 2022 up until his arrest in August of 2023.
Wei also allegedly disclosed the locations of various Navy ships and provided details on defensive weapons capabilities, while also allegedly sending the intelligence officer approximately 30 technical and mechanical manuals regarding operations of multiple systems aboard the Essex and similar ships in June of 2022. The Navy serviceman allegedly received $5,000 in exchange for the technical and mechanical manuals in question.
In the same month, prosecutors allege Wei also provided the PRC intelligence officer with sensitive information regarding U.S. Marines training operations amid a then-upcoming maritime warfare exercise. Two months later in August of 2022, Wei allegedly handed over an additional 26 technical and mechanical manuals related to the power structure and operation of the Essex and other Navy ships.
Officials claim Wei also sent another technical manual in October of 2022 which detailed the layout and locations of various departments, such as berthing quarters and weapons systems, for various ships. Similar unlawful communications have been attributed to Wei up through 2023, such as delivering the PRC intelligence officer with flight deck blueprints and information on active repairs and mechanical problems with the Essex and other Navy ships.
U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California issued the following statement regarding Wei’s arrest and indictment:
“We have entrusted members of our military with tremendous responsibility and great faith. Our nation’s safety and security are in their hands. When a soldier or sailor chooses cash over country, and hands over national defense information in an ultimate act of betrayal, the United States will aggressively investigate and prosecute.”
The second Navy serviceman indicted under similar charges was identified as Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, aka Thomas Zhao, who has been accused of transmitting sensitive military information to an individual posing as a maritime economic researcher, but who in actuality was a PRC intelligence officer, in exchange for bribe money.
Zhao reportedly worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and held a U.S. security clearance, which said clearance was used to disclose non-public sensitive information to the individual posing as a maritime economic researcher between August of 2021 through May of 2023.
In exchange for bribes reportedly totaling $14,866, Zhao allegedly passed over photos, video, and various documents to the PRC intelligence officer which disclosed the likes of controlled operational plans for a large-scale U.S. military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region. Said plans reportedly revealed Naval force movements, amphibious landings, maritime operations, and logistics support to the PRC intelligence officer.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California issued the following statement regarding Zhao’s arrest and indictment:
“By sending this sensitive military information to an intelligence officer employed by a hostile foreign state, the defendant betrayed his sacred oath to protect our country and uphold the Constitution. Unlike the vast majority of U.S. Navy personnel who serve the nation with honor, distinction and courage, Mr. Zhao chose to corruptly sell out his colleagues and his country.”
Gregory Hoyt is a former contributor to outlets such as Law Enforcement Today and Red Voice Media, and current host of The Breakdown with Greg Hoyt. Based out of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Hoyt is a staunch and outspoken advocate of law enforcement and first responders, while also harboring the unique experience of having spent nearly 5 years in prison. Since then, he's used his unique perspective to offer support and commentary about the criminal justice system. When not working or combating bad ideas, Hoyt also leisurely studies economics, history, and law.