- Jinchao Wei, a 25-year-old U.S. Navy sailor also known as Patrick Wei, was convicted on August 20, 2025, of espionage and export violations for selling sensitive Navy information to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000 while stationed at Naval Base San Diego.
- Wei, a machinist’s mate on the USS Essex, provided photos, videos, and over 30 technical manuals about Navy ships, including their weapons and vulnerabilities, to his Chinese handler, using encrypted apps to conceal communications. He was convicted of six counts, including conspiracy to commit espionage and unlawful export of defense data.
- Wei admitted to the FBI post-arrest that he knew his actions constituted espionage, having told a fellow sailor in February 2022 that he was “no idiot” and recognized the “obviously f***ing espionage.” He researched prior Navy espionage cases and took steps to hide his activities.
- Facing a potential life sentence, Wei is scheduled for sentencing on December 1, 2025. Prosecutors described his actions as an “egregious betrayal,” endangering fellow sailors and national security, with the verdict serving as a warning to others tempted by foreign payments. Read More
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