News|EspionageUS sailor sentenced to 16 years in prison in Chinese espionage caseProsecutors accused sailor Jinchao Wei of selling information about US Navy ships to Chinese intelligence operatives.
A former United States Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, 25, has been sentenced to 200 months in prison for selling technical and operating manuals to an intelligence officer representing China. The sentencing was delivered by a federal judge in San Diego.
A former United States Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, 25, has been sentenced to 200 months in prison for selling technical and operating manuals to an intelligence officer representing China. The sentencing was delivered by a federal judge in San Diego.
In August, Wei was convicted on six counts, including espionage, after receiving more than $12,000 for providing classified information. The US Department of Justice reported that Wei, an engineer on the USS Essex, was one of two sailors charged on August 3, 2023, for sharing sensitive military information with China. The other sailor, Wenheng Zhao, received a sentence exceeding two years in 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy and accepting a bribe.
US officials have long been concerned about espionage threats from the Chinese government, with criminal cases pursued against Beijing intelligence operatives for allegedly stealing sensitive information. Wei was recruited via social media in 2022 by an individual claiming to be a naval enthusiast linked to the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.
Evidence revealed that Wei expressed suspicions about the recruiter's intentions to a friend, recognizing the situation as potential espionage. Despite this, Wei continued to communicate with the officer using an encrypted messaging app, believing it offered greater security.
In August, Wei was convicted on six counts, including espionage, after receiving more than $12,000 for providing classified information.
Over 18 months, Wei transmitted photos, videos, and information regarding the USS Essex and other naval ships, including their defensive capabilities. He sold 60 technical and operating manuals covering weapons control, aircraft, and deck elevators. These manuals contained export control warnings and detailed operational systems on the Essex and similar vessels.
At the time, Wei held the rank of petty officer second class, an enlisted sailor's position. The USS Essex is designed to transport and support a Marine Corps landing force exceeding 2,000 personnel during air and amphibious assaults.
Before sentencing, Wei expressed remorse in a letter to the judge, acknowledging his error in judgment due to "introversion and loneliness" and apologizing for sharing information with the individual he considered a friend.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.