Jinchao Wei, a 25-year-old machinist's mate and naturalized U.S. citizen, faced multiple charges, including espionage and conspiracy to commit espionage, after he was found guilty of selling classified details about Navy operations to a handler via social media. The case, adjudicated in a California court, underscored the gravity of Wei's actions, which U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon described as a "betrayal of trust."
Wei was arrested in August 2023 as he reported for duty aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex. He had access to sensitive information, due to his security clearance, and during his trial, prosecutors showcased a variety of evidence including phone calls and messages that highlighted Wei's communication with his Chinese counterpart, whom he dubbed "Big Brother Andy." He allegedly utilized encrypted applications to keep his operations discreet and received over $12,000 for leaking data.
Text messages revealed Wei was aware of the seriousness of his actions, even discussing with his mother the ease with which he was "leaking secrets" for money—a relationship that she supported. Wei's recruitment by the Chinese agent began in February 2022 during his citizenship process, posing as a naval enthusiast before extracting sensitive information, which included specifications about Navy ships' defensive systems.
In a related incident, another Navy member, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, was convicted last year after accepting payments for transmitting sensitive information to a Chinese intelligence officer, further warning the military of insider risks. Wei is set to be sentenced on December 1, 2023, with a potential life sentence looming for his actions.
This conviction serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the U.S. Armed Forces and the ongoing threat of espionage from foreign entities.
