At a Glance
- Jinchao Wei, 25, was sentenced to 200 months for espionage and conspiracy
- He sent photos, videos, and thousands of pages of U.S. Navy documents to a Chinese intelligence officer
- Wei accepted over $12,000 in exchange for the sensitive information
- Why it matters: The case marks the first espionage conviction in San Diego’s federal court, highlighting foreign recruitment efforts targeting American service members
A former U.S. Navy sailor who worked as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Essex has been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for selling military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer. Jinchao Wei, 25, was convicted last summer in San Diego federal court on six of seven counts, including espionage and conspiracy.
From Social Media Contact to Espionage
Wei was initially approached in early 2022 through a Chinese social media site. During their first conversations, the alleged intelligence officer offered Wei $500 to provide information on where various Navy ships were docked.
Prosecutors say Wei immediately recognized the suspicious nature of the request, telling a fellow sailor: “This is quite obviously (expletive) espionage.”
Despite this realization, Wei continued the relationship for the next 18 months. He received payments totaling more than $12,000 in exchange for:
- Photographs and videos of the USS Essex
- Thousands of pages of technical documents
- Operational documents concerning U.S. Navy surface warfare ships
Investigation and Arrest
Wei was arrested in mid-2023, with federal prosecutors noting he was the first person charged with espionage in the Southern District of California, which covers San Diego and Imperial counties.
During the investigation, authorities discovered Wei and his handler used encrypted apps to communicate secretly. A search of his internet history revealed he had researched other cases of U.S. Navy sailors prosecuted and convicted of espionage.
Prosecutors emphasized that Wei had received Navy training on how to detect recruitment efforts from foreign governments, making his actions a clear understanding of illegal activity.
Trial and Defense Arguments
In the trial’s closing arguments, defense attorney Sean Jones told jurors the government failed to prove Wei knowingly engaged in espionage. Jones argued Wei believed he was communicating with a Chinese academic interested in military ships.
The defense characterized their conversations as educational in nature. Jones explained Wei’s espionage remark referred to one specific request he refused to comply with, and that subsequent requests were portrayed as harmless.
Prosecution’s Response
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon condemned Wei’s actions in a statement after sentencing: “Wei betrayed his oath, his shipmates, the United States Navy, and the American people – a level of disloyalty that strikes at the heart of our national security and demanded this powerful sentence.”
The prosecution successfully argued that Wei’s training and subsequent actions, including using encrypted communications and researching previous espionage cases, demonstrated clear intent.
Key Takeaways
- First of its kind: This marks the initial espionage conviction in San Diego federal court
- Significant sentence: 200 months (over 16 years) reflects the severity of military espionage
- Foreign recruitment: Case demonstrates ongoing Chinese intelligence efforts to target U.S. military personnel through social media
- Training matters: Wei’s Navy training on detecting foreign recruitment attempts was key evidence in proving intent
