


Two U.S. Navy sailors were arrested Wednesday on conspiracy charges linked to Chinese intelligence officials, with prosecutors claiming one of the defendants traded sensitive military information for thousands of dollars in bribes.
Systems and weapon information about the amphibious assault ship USS Essex were allegedly sent to a ... [+]
The two active-duty sailors were hit with conspiracy charges Thursday in two separate cases, with Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen telling reporters at a press conference that the defendants actions resulted in “sensitive military info” ending up “in the hands of the People’s Republic of China,” according to Reuters.
One of the sailors, identified as 26-year-old Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, was arrested Wednesday and accused of providing a Chinese intelligence officer with naval operation plans, radar system blueprints and security details of Naval Base Ventura County—an installation located just north of Los Angeles.
Prosecutors allege Zhao, who served as a construction electrician who had “Secret” level security clearance, provided the information for at least $14,866 in bribes from the Chinese officer, transactions dated from approximately November 1, 2021 to March 28, 2023.
Jinchao Wei, the other sailor who worked on an amphibious assault ship, the U.S.S. Essex, was arrested Wednesday as he arrived for work at Naval Base San Diego and has been charged with conspiracy to send national defense information to a Chinese intelligence officer.
Wei allegedly provided the officer with information about the U.S.S. Essex and other Navy ships, including more than 50 technical and mechanical manuals on ship systems and weapons, with the indictment alleging Wei was paid $5,000 for some of the manuals.
Prosecutors also accused Wei of sharing information on details regarding an upcoming Marine exercise.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.