U.S. Navy sailor Jinchao Wei, serving as a machinist's mate on the USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego, was convicted in August 2025 of espionage for passing sensitive military information to a Chinese agent he met via social media, over an 18-month period.

Wei, 25 years old, was found guilty of six crimes including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of defense-related technical data, though he was acquitted of naturalization fraud.

Evidence such as phone calls, encrypted messages, audio recordings, and a text message to his mother confirmed Wei's involvement in leaking military secrets, which included about 60 technical manuals, photographs, and documents with export-control warnings.

Wei openly discussed leaking military secrets with his family, recognizing the risks involved, and shared concerns about suspicious motives of the Chinese agent, who initially posed as a shipbuilding enthusiast.

Wei was arrested in August 2023 while on duty, having accessed restricted information about Navy ships in the Pacific Fleet, which he shared over 18 months in exchange for over $12,000.

His arrest was part of a broader case involving another Navy sailor, Wenheng Zhao, who was sentenced to over two years for accepting over $14,800 to send sensitive information to China, including operational plans and blueprints.

U.S. authorities described Wei's actions as a betrayal that threatened the lives of fellow sailors and national security, with the Department of Justice emphasizing its commitment to prosecuting traitors.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon condemned Wei’s betrayal, highlighting the security breach and Wei's egregious actions, with sentencing scheduled for December 1 where he faces a possible life sentence.

The case underscores the Department of Justice’s dedication to prosecuting espionage, with Wei’s actions representing a targeted effort by Chinese operatives to recruit U.S. military personnel online.

Wei's disclosures included dozens of photographs and documents about the U.S. Navy and his assignments, many containing export-control warnings, further illustrating the severity of the breach.

The Chinese intelligence officer initially posed as a shipbuilding enthusiast, but Wei recognized suspicious motives and shared his concerns with a Navy friend, which helped in the investigation.