US Navy sailor convicted of spying for China

An American marine seas in California was condemned to spy for selling secrets to a Chinese agent that he recruited on social media.

Jinchao Wei, 25, was condemned with six fees, including espionage, and conspiracy to commit espionage and illegal export of classified data around the US Navy.

He was paid for more than $ 12,000 (8,920 pounds) over 18 months by a Chinese intelligence officer who approached him in February 2022 for information about USS Essex, which was served, as well as other marine ships.

Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was arrested in August 2023 on charges of spying while arriving on the amphibious vessel.

“The actions of the defendant are a terrible betrayal of confidence in which he was placed as a member of the American army,” American lawyer Adam Gordon said in a statement after reading the ruling.

“By circulating the military secrets of the People’s Republic of China for money, not only the lives of his colleagues, but also the security of the entire nation and our allies.”

Way, a homogeneous American citizen, was working as a colleague for a mechanic, carried a security permit and had access to sensitive information about the ship and other ships in the Pacific Fleet.

During his week -long trial, prosecutors presented evidence, including phone conversations, e -messages, and voice messages that Wei exchanged with his Chinese therapist.

Wei called the Chinese “Big Brother Andy” and obliged its requests to maintain their secret relationship using multiple encrypted applications for communication and acceptance of payments. Wei also used a new and phone with a processor.

An exchange of a text between Wei and his mother was presented to show that he understands that he is committing spy.

“The other Chinese who serve the US Navy are still trying to know how to earn additional money and drive taxis. While I am leaking the secrets,” Wii wrote his mother.

She replied, “Good work!”

Wei was contacted by a Chinese agent while he was going through an American citizen.

It was recruited on social media by the Chinese intelligence officer, who initially portrayed the samely enthusiastically enthusiastic work in the state -owned Chinese ship industry.

Evidence showed that Wei sent photos and videos about Essex, advised the various US naval ships officers, describing defensive weapons on Essex. He also described problems with his ship and other ships.

Wei is scheduled to be sentenced to December 1 and may face life imprisonment.

WEI cannot be accessed for comment. BBC is close to his lawyer for comments.

Wei was arrested alongside the simple officer, Wining ChaoHe was arrested on charges of accepting more than 14,800 dollars to send sensitive photos and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer.

Prosecutors said that Zhao conveyed “plans to practice maritime training on a large scale in the Pacific theater, operational orders, electrical plans and plans for the radar system towards the Earth/air mission in Okinawa, Japan.”

Zhao was convicted last year and sentenced to 27 months in prison.