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Ex-Sailor Convicted for Selling Navy Secrets to China

8/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Jinchao Wei was convicted of espionage and conspiracy for selling military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer.
He unlawfully exported defense-related technical data, receiving over $12,000 for sensitive information about the USS Essex.
Wei was arrested on August 2, 2023, and admitted to sharing thousands of pages of restricted Navy information.
Another sailor, Wenheng Zhao, was arrested for similar charges, indicating ongoing security concerns.

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Story summary

Jinchao Wei was convicted of espionage and conspiracy for selling military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer.
He unlawfully exported defense-related technical data, receiving over $12,000 for sensitive information about the USS Essex.
Wei was arrested on August 2, 2023, and admitted to sharing thousands of pages of restricted Navy information.
Another sailor, Wenheng Zhao, was arrested for similar charges, indicating ongoing security concerns.