A US Navy sailor has been found guilty of espionage on behalf of China

A sailor from the US Navy stationed in California has been found guilty of espionage for selling classified information to a Chinese operative who engaged him via social media.

Jinchao Wei, aged 25, faced six charges, which included espionage, conspiracy to commit espionage, and the illegal export of classified information regarding US Navy vessels.

"The actions of the defendant constitute a severe violation of the trust bestowed upon him as a member of the US military," stated US Attorney Adam Gordon in a press release following the reading of the verdict.

"By exchanging military secrets with the People's Republic of China for monetary gain, he not only endangered the lives of his fellow sailors but also compromised the security of the entire nation and its allies.

Wei, who is also referred to as Patrick Wei, was apprehended in August 2023 on charges of espionage as he reported for duty on the amphibious assault vessel, the USS Essex.

A naturalized citizen of the United States, Wei worked as a machinist's mate, possessed a security clearance, and had access to classified information regarding the ship and other vessels within the Pacific Fleet.

Throughout his weeklong trial, prosecutors introduced evidence that included phone calls, electronic communications, and audio recordings that Wei had shared with his Chinese handler.

Wei referred to his Chinese associate as "Big Brother Andy" and complied with requests to maintain the confidentiality of their relationship by utilizing various encrypted applications for communication and receiving payments. Additionally, Wei employed a new computer and mobile phone that were supplied by his handler.

A text conversation between Wei and his mother was presented to illustrate that Wei was aware of his involvement in espionage.

"Other Chinese individuals serving in the US Navy are still attempting to find ways to earn extra income, such as driving taxis. In contrast, I am merely disclosing secrets," Wei texted to his mother.

She replied: "Good job!"

In February 2022, Wei was approached by a Chinese agent while he was in the process of obtaining US citizenship.

The Chinese intelligence officer recruited him through social media, initially presenting himself as a naval enthusiast employed by the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.

Evidence indicated that Wei sent photographs and videos of the USS Essex, informed the officer about the locations of various Navy vessels, and detailed the defensive armaments aboard the Essex. He also reported issues concerning his ship and other vessels stationed nearby.

In return for this information, the Chinese intelligence officer compensated Wei with over $12,000 over a period of 18 months. Wei is set to be sentenced on December 1 and may face a life sentence in prison.

Wei was unavailable for comment. The BBC has contacted Wei's attorney for statements.

In 2023, Wei was arrested alongside Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, who faced charges for receiving more than $14,800 in exchange for sending sensitive images and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer.

Prosecutors alleged that Zhao transmitted "plans for a large-scale maritime training exercise in the Pacific theater, operational orders, and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system located in Okinawa, Japan."

Zhao was convicted last year and sentenced to 27 months in prison.