A US Navy sailor in California has been found guilty of espionage after selling sensitive military secrets to a Chinese intelligence agent who recruited him through social media.
Jinchao “Patrick” Wei, 25, was convicted on six counts, including espionage, conspiracy to commit espionage, and unlawful export of classified defence information relating to US Navy vessels.
Prosecutors said Wei abused his security clearance as a machinist’s mate aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex, where he had access to sensitive information about the vessel and other Pacific Fleet ships. He was arrested in August 2023 as he reported for duty on the ship.
During a weeklong trial, prosecutors presented extensive evidence of Wei’s collaboration with a Chinese intelligence officer he referred to as “Big Brother Andy.” Court documents revealed that Wei sent classified details in response to requests and took deliberate steps to conceal the relationship.
He used multiple encrypted messaging applications, a newly supplied phone and computer, and accepted payments through clandestine channels. Recordings of his calls, electronic messages, and voice notes showed Wei’s compliance with instructions to maintain secrecy.
A text exchange between Wei and his mother was presented to show Wei understood he was committing espionage.
“Other Chinese serving in the US Navy are still trying to figure out how to make extra money, and driving cabs. Whereas I am just leaking secrets,” Wei texted his mother. She responded: “Good job!”
US Attorney Adam Gordon condemned the betrayal in a statement after the verdict was delivered, saying “The defendant’s actions represent an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the US military,” Gordon said. “By trading military secrets to the People’s Republic of China for cash, he jeopardised not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies.”
Wei, a naturalised US citizen originally from China, now faces a lengthy prison sentence. Sentencing is expected in the coming months.
The case has reignited concerns about Beijing’s espionage efforts targeting US military personnel and facilities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions over Taiwan and maritime security remain high.
Melissa Enoch
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