The U.S. Navy emblem is displayed on a phone screen in front of American flags. A Navy sailor based in San Diego was convicted of espionage for selling military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer, the Department of Justice announced. (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
A 25-year-old U.S. Navy sailor has been convicted of espionage for passing sensitive military information to a Chinese intelligence officer while serving aboard the USS Essex in San Diego, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.
The sailor, Jinchao Wei — also known as Patrick Wei — was found guilty of six counts including conspiracy to commit espionage, unlawful export of defense data, and conspiracy to export defense articles.
What prosecutors say the sailor gave China
According to the Department of Justice, Wei held a U.S. security clearance and worked as a machinist’s mate aboard the amphibious assault ship. Beginning in February 2022, he communicated with a Chinese intelligence officer who first posed as a "naval enthusiast" on social media.
Prosecutors said Wei:
- Sent photos and videos of the USS Essex
- Provided ship movement information and weapons details
- Shared technical manuals and restricted documents from Navy systems
The handler paid Wei about $12,000 over 18 months before his arrest in August 2023.
Evidence presented at trial showed Wei referred to the officer as "Big Brother Andy" and used encrypted apps, burner devices, and other secrecy measures to share information.
Even early on, Wei allegedly admitted he suspected espionage. Prosecutors said he told a Navy friend that the arrangement was "quite obviously f***ing espionage" but continued anyway.
What they're saying:
"The defendant’s actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the U.S. military," U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said. "By trading military secrets to the People’s Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies."
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg called the case "a warning" to others in sensitive positions tempted by money.
The FBI’s counterintelligence chief, Roman Rozhavsky, said China "continues to aggressively target U.S. military members" and urged personnel to report suspicious offers.
The backstory:
Wei, a China-born naturalized U.S. citizen, enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at Naval Base San Diego. Prosecutors said his espionage stretched from early 2022 until his arrest in August 2023 when he reported for duty.
A second sailor, arrested the same day, pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced to 27 months in prison for conspiring with a Chinese officer.
What's next:
Wei was acquitted of one count of naturalization fraud but convicted on all espionage-related charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1 and could face decades in prison.
The Source: This report is based on information from the Department of Justice, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.