U.S. Navy Sailor Convicted Of Espionage For Selling Secrets To Chinese Intelligence
A federal jury found Jinchao Wei guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit espionage, after he sold sensitive national defense information for over $12,000.
An active-duty U.S. Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was convicted of espionage and export violations on August 20 by a federal jury. The conviction follows a five-day trial that exposed how Wei, stationed at Naval Base San Diego, betrayed his country by selling classified Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for more than $12,000.
Wei, a machinist’s mate for the amphibious assault ship U.S.S. Essex, held a U.S. security clearance that granted him access to sensitive national defense information. According to evidence presented at trial, he was approached in February 2022 on social media by an individual who was, in fact, a Chinese intelligence officer.
Over the next 18 months, Wei provided extensive information about the U.S.S. Essex and other Navy vessels, including photographs, videos, ship movement details, technical manuals, and weapons capabilities. The exchange of information was facilitated through a series of messages that showed efforts to conceal their communications and transactions.
The jury’s verdict found Wei guilty of six counts, including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of technical data related to defense articles in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg condemned Wei’s actions, stating, “The defendant, who took an oath to protect our Nation and was entrusted with a security clearance as a petty officer in the United States Navy, sold out his country for $12,000.” Eisenberg added that the verdict serves as a stern warning to those who would betray their position of trust.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California described Wei’s actions as an “egregious betrayal,” highlighting how he jeopardized the lives of his fellow sailors and the security of the nation and its allies. Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division noted that China continues to aggressively target U.S. military members and that this conviction underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold traitors accountable.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), with assistance from the U.S. Department of State and the Transportation Security Administration.
Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1.
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