Jinchao Wei, 25, also known as Patrick Wei, was convicted last August of espionage and related offenses after a federal jury found he had passed thousands of pages of restricted Navy documents to his handler in exchange for more than $12,000. He was arrested in August 2023 as he reported for duty aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex in San Diego.
Prosecutors said Wei, a machinist’s mate with a U.S. security clearance, provided technical manuals, photographs and operational details about the Essex and other surface warfare ships between March 2022 and his arrest. Evidence showed he communicated with his handler via encrypted apps, used disappearing “dead drops,” and even referred to the officer as “Big Brother Andy.”
“This active-duty U.S. Navy sailor betrayed his country and compromised the national security of the United States,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “The Justice Department will not tolerate this behavior.”
Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg said Wei “made a mockery” of his oath of loyalty by selling secrets for personal profit, while FBI officials stressed the case underscored the bureau’s determination to counter Chinese intelligence operations.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service said Wei’s actions endangered the readiness of the U.S. fleet, noting he had shared export-controlled manuals detailing weapons, propulsion and aircraft systems. Wei was convicted of six counts including conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of defense data. He was acquitted of one charge of naturalization fraud.
The case marked the first time espionage under U.S. Code Section 794 had been prosecuted in the Southern District of California, highlighting what officials called the seriousness of Wei’s “egregious” betrayal.
