The American Navy sailor convicted of spying on China

The US Navy sailor in California has been convicted of espionage for the sale of secrets to a Chinese agent who recruits it through social media.

The 25 -year -old Ginicho Wei was sentenced to six charges, including espionage, a conspiracy for espionage and illegal export of classified data on the US Navy ships.

He was paid over $ 12,000 (8,920 British pounds) for an 18-month period by a Chinese intelligence officer who approached him in February 2022 about the information about the USS Essex, as well as other naval ships.

Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was arrested in August 2023 on spying charges when he arrived for the work of the amphibian ship for attack.

“The defendant’s actions are an outrageous betrayal of confidence set as a member of the US military,” US lawyer Adam Gordon said in a statement after reading the sentence.

“By trading military secrets to the People’s Republic of China for money, it threatens not only the lives of its fellow sailors, but also the security of the whole nation and our allies.”

A naturalized citizen of the United States, Wei served as a half of the driver, held a security authorization and had access to sensitive information about the ship and other ships in the Pacific Fleet.

During their trial, prosecutors presented evidence, including telephone conversations, e -mails and audio messages that Wei had exchanged with his Chinese leader.

Wei called his Chinese Big Brother Andy Contact and undertook his requests to keep his relationship a secret using numerous encrypted communication and payment accepting applications. Wei also use a new computer and telephone provided by his manager.

An exchange of text between Wei and his mother has been presented to show that he understands that he is performing espionage.

“Other Chinese serving at the US Navy are still trying to figure out how to make extra money and driving for cabins. While I just run out of secrets,” his mother sent text messages.

She replied, “Good job!”

Wei turned to a Chinese agent as he went through the process of becoming a US citizen.

He was appointed through social media by a Chinese intelligence officer who initially presented himself as a naval enthusiast who works at the State Corporation for the Shipbuilding Industry in China.

The evidence showed that Wei sent photos and videos to Essex, advised the officer about the location of various US Navy ships and described the protective weapon on board Essex. He also described problems with his ship and other ships.

Wei is planned to be sentenced on December 1st and can face life in prison.

Wei couldn’t comment. The BBC turned to his comment lawyer.

Wei was arrested with the officer by the small venchen jaoWho was arrested on charges of receiving more than $ 14,800 for sending sensitive photos and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer.

Prosecutors said that Jao has submitted “plans for a large -scale seaside exercise at the Pacific Theater, operating orders and electric diagrams and drawings for a radar system oriented to Okinawa, Japan.”

Jao was found guilty last year and sentenced to 27 months in prison.