SAN DIEGO, CA — A U.S. Navy sailor has been convicted of espionage after passing sensitive military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for just $12,000, federal prosecutors announced Thursday. The sailor, Jinchao Wei — also known as Patrick Wei — now faces decades behind bars for what officials described as one of the most serious breaches of military trust in recent memory.
Wei, an active-duty petty officer stationed aboard the USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego, was found guilty by a federal jury on Wednesday after a five-day trial and one day of deliberation. He was convicted on six counts, including conspiracy to commit espionage, actual espionage, and multiple export violations involving U.S. military technology and defense data.
According to evidence presented in court, Wei began secretly working with a Chinese intelligence officer in February 2022 after being contacted on social media by someone claiming to be a naval enthusiast. Over the following 18 months, Wei transmitted photographs, ship movement details, weapons systems data, and technical manuals — all classified or export-controlled — to the Chinese officer.
In return, Wei received payments totaling more than $12,000. Communications shown during trial revealed deliberate attempts by Wei and his handler to cover their tracks, including encrypted messages and specific instructions to obtain and transmit restricted information.
Wei had access to highly sensitive information due to his position as a machinist’s mate aboard the Essex and held a valid U.S. security clearance at the time of the leaks. He was arrested in August 2023 and remained in custody throughout the trial.
Prosecutors from the Department of Justice said the sentencing is set for December 1.
“This verdict serves as a warning,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The defendant violated his oath, betrayed his uniform and fellow sailors, and turned his back on his adopted nation for money.”
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon called it “an egregious betrayal,” while FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky warned that China continues to actively target American military personnel. “We encourage past and present U.S. government personnel to report any suspicious contacts to the FBI,” he added.
Wei was also found guilty of four counts related to violating the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which prohibit the unlicensed export of defense-related technical data. Prosecutors said he exported information that could only be legally shared with foreign entities under strict license — a license he never had or sought.
The case was investigated jointly by the FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), with assistance from the State Department and TSA.
Wei, originally from China, had taken oaths to become both a U.S. citizen and a Navy sailor.
Key Points
- Navy sailor Jinchao Wei was convicted of espionage for sharing military secrets with a Chinese intelligence officer
- Wei transmitted restricted U.S. Navy ship data in exchange for $12,000 over 18 months
- He was found guilty of six counts and will be sentenced on December 1
A Navy sailor sold out America for $12K in cash and is now facing decades behind bars after being convicted of spying for China.