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Former Navy Sailor Sentenced for Spying for China

1/13/2026

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Story summary
  • Jinchao Wei, a former U.S. Navy sailor, was sentenced to nearly 17 years for spying for China.
  • He was convicted of selling secrets about American warships' vulnerabilities while on the Essex at Naval Base San Diego, facing six counts, including two under the Espionage Act.
  • Prosecutors sought a 22-year sentence, arguing he betrayed his country.
  • A second sailor involved received a 27-month sentence for conspiring with a Chinese intelligence officer.