US Navy sails are convicted of espionage for China

The US -Moraz Fleet Sailor in California was convicted of espionage for the sale of the secrets of the Chinese agent who recruited him through social media.

25 -year -old Jinchao Wei was sentenced to six charges, including espionage, espionage conspiracy and illegal exports of classified data on the US Navy.

“The defendant’s actions are an outrageous betrayal of the trust posted as a member of the US military,” US Prosecutor Adam Gordon said in a statement after reading the sentence.

“Trade in the military secrets of the People’s Republic of China for cash, he threatened not only his life colleagues, but also the safety of the whole nation and our allies.”

Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was arrested in August 2023 on charges of espionage when he came to work on a ship from an amphibian assault ship, USS Essex.

The naturalized US citizen, Wei served as a driver’s assistant, carried out security and had access to confidential information about the ship and other ships in the Pacific Fleet.

During his weekly trial, the prosecutor’s office provided evidence, including telephone conversations, electronic messages and audio recordings that Vai exchanged with his Chinese handler.

Wei named his Chinese contact “Big Brother Andy” and is obliged to request their relationship at a secret using some encrypted apps to communicate and make payments. Wei also used a new computer and phone provided by the handler.

A text exchange between Wei and his mother was presented to show that Wei realized that he was performing espionage.

“Other Chinese who serve the US Military Fleet are still trying to find out how to make extra money and manage a taxi. While I just see the secrets,” the mother sent.

She replied, “Good job!”

In February 2022, the Chinese agent appealed in February 2022 while he was experiencing the process of becoming a US citizen.

He was recruited by a Chinese reconnaissance officer through social media, who first reflected himself as a naval enthusiast who worked in the State Corporation of the Chinese shipbuilding industry.

The data showed that Wei sent photos and videos from the essay, advised the officer about the location of different Navy ships and described the defensive weapons aboard the essay. He also described problems with his ship and other ships.

In exchange for this information, the Chinese intelligence officer paid over $ 12,000 in 18 months. Wei is planned to be convicted on December 1 and may face life in prison.

Wei failed to address the comments. The BBC appealed to the Wi’s lawyer for comments.

Wei was arrested in 2023 together with a trifling officer of Wedeno Zhaowho was arrested on charges of accepting more than $ 14,800 for sending sensitive photos and a video to a Chinese intelligence officer.

Prosecutors said Zhao transmitted “plans for large -scale maritime training at the Pacific Theater, Operational Orders and Electric Diagrams and Drawings for the Limiting/Air Force, located in Akinovo, Japan.”

Last year, Zhao was found guilty and sentenced to 27 months in prison.