A former US Navy sailor, Jinchao Wei, has been sentenced to 16 years for espionage. This decision was made by a federal judge in San Diego. Wei, 25, sold sensitive military information to a Chinese intelligence officer.
Details of the Espionage Case
Jinchao Wei was convicted in August on six charges, including espionage. He sold technical manuals and operating systems related to naval operations. The US Department of Justice revealed that Wei received over $12,000 for the information he provided.
Background of Jinchao Wei
- Age: 25 years
- Role: Engineer for USS Essex
- Rank: Petty Officer Second Class
The USS Essex is a significant vessel, capable of transporting over 2,000 Marines during military operations. Wei was one of two sailors based in California charged with espionage on August 3, 2023.
Recruitment and Information Shared
Wei was recruited through social media in 2022 by an intelligence officer posing as a naval enthusiast connected to the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. Despite raising concerns about the officer’s intentions, Wei continued to communicate with him.
During an 18-month period, Wei provided numerous details, including:
- Photos and videos of the USS Essex
- Locations of various Navy ships
- Information about the Essex’s defensive weapons
Wei sold a total of 60 technical and operating manuals, which included sensitive information regarding weapons control and other critical systems. These manuals contained export control warnings and detailed operations of the Essex and similar ships.
Sentencing and Consequences
The judge sentenced Jinchao Wei to 200 months in prison. In a letter to the court, Wei expressed remorse for his actions, attributing his poor judgment to feelings of “introversion and loneliness.”
Wei’s case underscores ongoing concerns among US officials regarding espionage risks from the Chinese government, emphasizing the need for vigilance against such threats.
Related Cases
Another sailor, Wenheng Zhao, also faced charges. He was sentenced to more than two years in prison in 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy and receiving a bribe.
This series of cases highlights the legal ramifications of espionage and the continued vigilance required by military and government agencies in safeguarding sensitive information.
