A 25-year-old U.S. Navy sailor stationed at Naval Base San Diego has been found guilty of espionage against the United States in a federal court proceeding.

According to The Daily Caller, Jinchao Wei was convicted for selling sensitive military information to a Chinese intelligence operative over an 18-month period, receiving $12,000 in exchange. The Department of Justice announced the verdict on Wednesday, marking a significant breach of national security protocols.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the severity of Wei's actions, stating that the sailor's betrayal jeopardized both his fellow servicemembers and national security. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges of protecting military secrets from foreign intelligence operations.

Initial Contact and Deliberate Deception Revealed

The Chinese intelligence agent first approached Wei in February 2022, masquerading as a naval enthusiast interested in military vessels. Wei recognized the obvious nature of the espionage attempt, even telling a friend that he was "no idiot" and acknowledging the true purpose of the communication.

Despite being aware of the agent's true intentions and receiving warnings from a friend to cease contact, Wei proceeded with the illegal arrangement. The communication moved to an encrypted messaging platform where Wei began regularly transmitting classified information in exchange for payments.

The sailor developed sophisticated methods to maintain secrecy in his communications with his Chinese handler, whom he referred to as "Big Brother Andy." Wei utilized multiple online accounts and digital "dead drops" that automatically erased their correspondence after 72 hours.

Extensive Military Information Compromised

Wei transmitted approximately 60 technical and operating manuals containing detailed information about U.S. Navy ships to his Chinese contact. The classified materials included numerous photographs and documents related to Wei's assignments on the USS Essex, despite clear export-control warnings on many of the documents.

The compromised information included critical details about the USS Essex's capabilities, including weapons systems, aircraft operations, and damage control specifications. Wei's actions provided Chinese intelligence with comprehensive insights into vital U.S. naval operations and vessel vulnerabilities.

The depth of the information breach extended to multiple aspects of naval operations and ship functionality. The transmitted data encompassed power systems, steering mechanisms, and deck elevator operations, providing a complete technical profile of the vessel.

Prosecution Highlights National Security Impact

The Department of Justice emphasized that Wei's actions constituted a serious threat to national security interests. The prosecution successfully demonstrated how Wei's systematic collection and transmission of classified information undermined military readiness.

The conviction represents a significant victory for U.S. counterintelligence efforts against Chinese espionage activities. The case has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by military security in protecting sensitive information from foreign intelligence operations.

The legal proceedings have drawn attention to the sophisticated methods used by foreign intelligence services to target military personnel. The case serves as a warning about the persistent threats to military security and the consequences of betraying military trust.

Verdict Signals Strong Message Against Espionage

Wei's conviction marks a crucial moment in the ongoing effort to protect U.S. military secrets from foreign intelligence operations. The sailor now faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with his sentencing scheduled for December 1, 2025.

The successful prosecution demonstrates the Justice Department's commitment to pursuing cases of military espionage. The verdict sends a clear message about the serious consequences awaiting those who compromise national security.

The case highlights the continuing challenge of protecting sensitive military information from foreign intelligence services. This conviction reinforces the importance of maintaining strict security protocols and the severe penalties for violating military trust.