Breaking: Ex-Navy Sailor Sentenced to 16 years for Spying for China
San Diego — A former U.S. Navy enlisted sailor has been handed a 16-year federal prison term after admitting to providing sensitive military information to China over an 18‑month period.
Jinchao “Patrick” Wei, 25, was convicted in August on six counts, including espionage, in a case tied to the USS Essex assault ship. He was paid more than $12,000 for the information, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Wei, an engineer assigned to the Essex, was one of two California-based sailors accused in August 2023 of passing military data to Beijing. His co-defendant, Wenheng Zhao, received a sentence exceeding two years in 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy and bribery charges linked to his official duties.
U.S. officials have long warned about espionage threats posed by the Chinese government, pursuing cases against Beijing-linked operatives who have stolen government and commercial data, including through cyber intrusions.
Prosecutors said Wei was recruited in 2022 via social media by an intelligence officer who presented himself as a naval enthusiast affiliated with the state‑run China State Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.
Evidence showed Wei told a friend the contact was “extremely suspicious” and that the effort appeared to be classic espionage, yet he did not sever the link. Instead, Wei moved conversations to a different encrypted messaging app he believed offered greater security.
Over 18 months,Wei provided the officer photos and videos of the Essex,shared ship locations,and disclosed details about the vessel’s defensive weapons. He sold 60 technical and operating manuals, including materials on weapons control, aircraft operations, and deck lifts, many with export control warnings and insights into the Essex’s systems.
Wei held the rank of petty officer second class at the time of the offenses, a noncommissioned officer who serves as an enlisted sailor. The Essex is equipped to transport and support a Marine Corps landing force of more than 2,000 troops during air and amphibious operations.
In a pre-sentence letter to the judge,Wei apologized,saying he should not have shared information with someone he once considered a friend and cited “introversion and loneliness” as factors that clouded his judgment.
At a glance: key facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jinchao Wei (Patrick) |
| Status | Former U.S. Navy petty officer second class |
| USS Essex | |
| 2022; orchestrated via social media by an officer claiming ties to China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation | |
| 18 months | |
| 60 manuals and related data on weapons control, aircraft, and deck operations | |
| More than $12,000 | |
| Six counts, including espionage | |
| 16 years in federal prison | |
| Wenheng Zhao; sentenced to over two years in 2024 |
Context and implications
The verdict reinforces ongoing concerns about foreign espionage networks targeting U.S. military capabilities and sensitive technologies. Authorities have historically pursued cases involving state‑sponsored efforts to harvest strategic data, while also tackling illicit hacking and other data theft methods.
Wei’s actions highlight the ease with which recruitment can happen through social channels and the risk of complacency when handling confidential material. The case underscores the importance of strict access controls, vigilant reporting of suspicious contacts, and secure channels for information sharing within the armed forces.
Evergreen takeaways for security and defense
Enhanced screening and continuous monitoring of personnel with access to sensitive equipment remain critical.
Effective information-sharing policies, alongside robust encryption and auditing, help deter insider threats and ensure prompt detection of abnormal activity.
As espionage threats evolve,education and swift legal accountability serve as essential deterrents for current and future service members.
Engage with us
What additional safeguards should the Navy implement to prevent insider threats without hindering legitimate operations?
Should penalties for espionage linked to state actors be standardized across all branches of the U.S. military, irrespective of rank?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
Disclaimer: This material covers legal matters and should not be construed as legal advice. For official updates, refer to statements from the Department of Justice and the U.S.Navy.
