Former U.S. Navy Sailor Receives 200-Month Sentence for Chinese Espionage
Jinchao Wei, a former U.S. Navy sailor, has been sentenced to 200 months in prison for espionage. This decision comes after his conviction by a federal jury in August 2025. Wei, 25, also known as Patrick Wei, was arrested while arriving for work on the USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego in August 2023.
Espionage Charges and Conviction
Wei was indicted by a federal grand jury for selling national defense information to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000. His charges included conspiracy to commit espionage and unlawful export of sensitive technical data related to defense articles under U.S. law.
Key Involvement of Agencies
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that members of the military are expected to defend the Constitution. Wei’s actions infringed upon national security, and the Justice Department is committed to investigating any similar abuses. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg pointed out that Wei had violated his oath of loyalty and endangered national security by selling military secrets.
Espionage Activities
- Wei was recruited by a Chinese intelligence officer via social media in February 2022.
- He communicated with the officer while suspecting his true motives.
- After realizing he was being targeted for espionage, Wei chose to engage with the officer instead of ceasing communication.
Gathered Information
Wei provided photographs, videos, and thousands of documents related to naval operations. The materials included:
- Operating manuals for U.S. Navy systems
- Details on several naval ships’ weapons and propulsion systems
- Information on current issues with naval ships
Trial Proceedings
The five-day trial concluded with Wei being convicted on multiple counts of espionage, while one count of naturalization fraud was dismissed. The evidence presented included phone conversations, encrypted messages, and behavioral patterns indicating his awareness of the wrongdoing.
Comments from Officials
FBI’s Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky stated that Wei had betrayed the trust placed in him, underscoring the commitment to national security. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon described Wei’s actions as a deep disloyalty that warranted a severe sentence. NCIS Director Omar Lopez noted the coordinated efforts between agencies to protect military capabilities from espionage threats.
Implications of the Case
This case represents a significant espionage investigation, marking the first instance of espionage charges under U.S. Code Section 794 in this jurisdiction. It involved substantial national defense information intended to harm the United States for the benefit of a foreign power.
As investigations continue, federal authorities remain vigilant in upholding national security and bringing to justice those who threaten it. The outcome of Wei’s case serves as a cautionary tale regarding the consequences of espionage within the military.
