Former Navy Sailor Sentenced for Espionage
A former U.S. Navy sailor received a prison sentence exceeding 16 years after being found guilty of espionage in August 2025, as announced by the Department of Justice on Monday.
Jingchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, was taken into custody in August 2023 when he reported for duty on the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship stationed at Naval Base San Diego. Prosecutors charged him with selling sensitive national defense information to operatives from the People’s Republic of China. Following an indictment by a federal grand jury, he was sentenced to 200 months in prison.
Wei was convicted on six counts, which included espionage and illegal export of defense-related technical data, breaching the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Wei had worked alongside a machinist with U.S. security clearance who possessed confidential information concerning the ship’s weapon systems and other crucial equipment.
According to the Justice Department, Wei transmitted images and videos of the USS Essex to a Chinese intelligence agent who had approached him via social media in February 2022, posing as a naval enthusiast from a state-owned company.
Feeling anxious since March 2022, Wei shared various details and technical issues regarding the USS Essex, even though he expressed uncertainties about his contacts to friends. Over the span of 18 months, he received approximately $12,000 for the information he provided.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that the U.S. will not condone such actions. He stated, “U.S. military personnel take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. This active-duty sailor betrayed his nation and compromised its security. The Department of Justice remains committed to protecting the interests of the American public.”
Before his sentencing, Wei submitted a letter of apology to the judge, citing “introversion and isolation” as factors that clouded his judgment. Prosecutors mentioned that Wei, who originally hails from China, was first approached by intelligence agents while trying to secure U.S. citizenship. However, he was not charged with any fraud related to his naturalization.
