Ex-Navy sailor sentenced to 16 years for espionage

Former Navy Sailor Sentenced for Espionage

A former U.S. Navy sailor was sentenced on Monday to over 16 years in prison for selling technical and operating manuals to a Chinese intelligence officer. Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, is 25 years old. A federal judge in San Diego sentenced him to 200 months after a jury convicted him in August of six crimes, including espionage.

Details of the Case

Wei was paid more than $12,000 for the information he sold, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. He worked as an engineer on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex. Wei was one of two sailors charged on August 3, 2023, for providing sensitive military information to China. The other sailor, Wenheng Zhao, was sentenced to over two years in 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy and receiving a bribe.

Espionage Concerns

U.S. officials have raised concerns about the espionage threat from the Chinese government. They have brought criminal cases against Beijing intelligence operatives for stealing sensitive information, including through illegal hacking.

Recruitment and Actions

Wei held a security clearance that allowed him access to sensitive national security information about the ship’s operations. He was recruited via social media in 2022 by an intelligence officer posing as a naval enthusiast. Evidence showed that Wei told a friend the contact was “extremely suspicious” and that it was “quite obviously” espionage. Despite this, he moved conversations to a more secure messaging app.

Information Sold

Over 18 months, Wei sent the officer photos and videos of the Essex. He also advised on the location of Navy ships and shared details about the Essex’s defensive weapons. Wei sold 60 technical and operating manuals, which included export control warnings and detailed operations of systems aboard the Essex and similar ships.

Arrest and Statements

After his arrest in August 2023, Wei told FBI investigators that his actions involved “espionage.” He also stated, “I’m screwed.” Wei’s lawyer, Sean Jones, said Wei made errors in judgment due to being young and naive. He claimed Wei believed he was sharing information for the benefit of the recipient, not for China.

Wei’s Background

Wei held the rank of petty officer second class. The Navy states that the Essex can transport and support over 2,000 Marine Corps troops during assaults. Before sentencing, Wei apologized in a letter to the judge, stating that “introversion and loneliness” clouded his judgment.