U.S. Navy Sailor Convicted for Selling Secrets to China

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A U.S. Navy sailor has been convicted of espionage for selling classified information to a Chinese intelligence officer, federal authorities announced on Wednesday.

Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, 25, was found guilty on six counts, including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of technical data related to defense equipment. He was acquitted of one charge of naturalization fraud.

According to prosecutors, Wei served as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship stationed at Naval Base San Diego. He held a U.S. security clearance and began passing information to a Chinese intelligence officer in February 2022 after being recruited through social media.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California stated that Wei provided photographs, ship locations, and detailed technical information about U.S. Navy surface warfare ships, including the Essex. Between March 2022 and his arrest in August 2023, he allegedly sent thousands of pages of restricted materials, including 60 technical and operating manuals marked with export-control warnings. Wei reportedly received more than $12,000 over 18 months for his cooperation.

The intelligence officer initially posed as a shipbuilding company employee. Evidence later showed that Wei suspected the officer’s true affiliation and even discussed his concerns with a fellow sailor. Despite acknowledging that the contact might be linked to Chinese intelligence, Wei continued his communications using encrypted messaging platforms.

Wei’s attorney, Sean Jones, stated that while his client admitted to sharing information, he did not intend to harm the United States. Jones described Wei as “young and naive,” claiming he believed the information was low-level and posed little risk. “He made a foolish decision for easy money,” Jones said, adding that the ship in question was “obsolete” and the materials “outdated.”

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon condemned Wei’s actions as a betrayal of national trust. “By trading military secrets to the People’s Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the nation and its allies,” Gordon said in a statement. He added that the verdict underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who compromise national security.

Wei is scheduled for sentencing on December 1. His defense maintains that he should receive a fair sentence and insists he acted out of poor judgment rather than allegiance to China.