A former U.S. Navy sailor has been sentenced to nearly 17 years for spying for China.
A jury found him guilty last year on 6 counts, including espionage and unlawful export of defense data.
Prosecutors say Jing Chao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, worked on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego as a mechanist’s mate leaked photographs, ship movements and weapons details.
A naturalized U.S. citizen, prosecutors said his mother had encouraged him to work for China, telling him it could help him land a job with Chinese authorities someday.
Jing sold military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer. This included reporting issues with naval ships at a base and revealing the locations of various naval vessels.
He was reportedly paid more than $12,000.
Jing’s position gave him access to sensitive defense information, including data on U.S. Navy ships and their weapons.
He was recruited by a Chinese officer in 2022 who portrayed himself as a naval enthusiast affiliated with China’s state-run shipbuilding industry.
It started with simple instructions and small amounts such as walking the pier to see which ships are docked on a daily basis and being rewarded with US$500.
It ended with him sharing thousands of documents, operating manuals, expert control, and sensitive information with the Chinese officer.
